Airlines must keep flight prices low for those fleeing Ukraine – Buttimer

Ryanair, Aer Lingus and other airlines must ensure their fares are at a minimum and remain fixed, or free, for people fleeing the Ukrainian crisis, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Transport, “As hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians flee their homeland in search of safety, airlines must keep flight prices as low as possible to ensure people can access all available transport options.

“This is not merely a gesture of goodwill and support for Ukraine. Keeping prices low is a practical step that will ensure people, who might not otherwise be able to afford expensive plane tickets, are able to reach safety.

“We heard from a Ukrainian woman yesterday who, while buying tickets from Poland to Ireland for her family fleeing Ukraine, faced a hike in prices during the booking process and ended up having to pay €500 for three, one-way tickets from Warsaw to Dublin.

“This woman spoke about the barrier this cost would present for many people, saying that flights at these prices are simply too expensive for people running from war. These high prices are effectively preventing people from arriving to Ireland and other countries that are ready to welcome Ukrainians with open arms.

“Thousands of Ukrainians are arriving to the border areas of many Eastern European countries every day, including Poland, Moldova, Romania and Hungary. Many of these people will need to travel onwards to friends and families in areas across Europe.

“While airlines have suspended flights to and from Ukraine, they need to look at keeping the prices of flights from Ukrainian neighbouring countries as low as possible, or even free, to facilitate ease of travel for those who need it most.

“While words and affirmations of support for the Ukrainian people are welcome, it is practical steps that will actually help those on the ground as they deal with the ramifications of Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion.

“Companies cannot use this time of crisis to make profits off the most vulnerable of people, and we need to see all airlines stepping up to the plate immediately to help Ukrainian people during their time of great need,” concluded Senator Buttimer.