‘Increasingly concerned’, ‘terrible’, ‘not great for the region’: Readers respond to Ryanair French route cuts

Ryanair’s winter cuts are affecting many airports throughout France, as up to 27% of regional airport routes have been impacted. 

Following coverage of the end of winter routes to three airports (Brive, Bergerac, and Strasbourg), The Connexion has been contacted by several readers about the cancellation of other routes. 

Notable among the reduction in services is an end to all but one year-round Ryanair service to Bergerac airport, and several France-London routes to other southern airports. 

These are some of the comments we have received: 

Dismay and difficulties

“As the owner of a little second home near Beziers, I am becoming increasingly concerned that Ryanair has also quietly scrapped winter flights between Beziers Cap d’Agde Airport and the UK, but without yet announcing it.,” said M.L.

The change “could leave many people in the lurch unless flights are suddenly placed online,” he added. 

The Connexion contacted Ryanair for confirmation of all routes impacted but the airline pointed us to a July press release announcing the reduced schedule at several airports.

The news is “absolutely terrible” for J.D. and her family. 

The location of the airport “motivated us to move into this area,” she said, and the end of routes means a long journey both for her and visitors.

“We can no longer visit my French family for Christmas,” said M.B.

“This is a real concern especially when you have elderly parents…this battle between Ryanair and the French airports affects lots of families,” she added.

For many, the end of routes out of Béziers mean a considerable drive to other airports, however many of these have also been impacted.

“Perpignan to Stansted have also had their winter flights dropped,” said S.D. “It's not great for the region,” he added, noting that in recent years several previously year-round routes had already been switched to seasonal services at Béziers and other airports.

The formerly year-long route from Nîmes to London Stansted has also been cancelled this winter according to readers.

Last year Ryanair withdrew from Bordeaux airport, another blow to routes from the south-west.

British Airways has recently announced extra Christmas flights from the Dordogne.