Ryanair issues holiday warning for ‘delays and disruptions’

Ryanair has issued a holiday warning for Britons travelling to Portugal. It warned tourists could face “possible delays and disruptions”.

A spokesperson said: “Due to the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Lisbon from Wednesday, August 2 to Sunday, August 6, we would like to advise passengers of potential disruptions to your holiday during this time.

“Passengers flying to and from Lisbon on Wednesday, August 2 and Sunday, August 6 should expect potential delays to your flight and disruption on your journey to and from the airport.”

Ryanair said all customers should monitor the airline’s app on their intended day of travel for the most up to date information.

The Pope is travelling to Lisbon to celebrate World Youth Day and the city is expected to be very busy.

Hundreds of thousands of Catholic pilgrims are expected to gather in the Portuguese capital for the event.

While other airlines haven’t issued a warning, any British traveller heading to Lisbon could face disruption.

The Pope will also travel to Fatima, a Catholic pilgrimage site in the centre of the country, as part of his visit.

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British tourists could also face delays on European flights due to strikes by air traffic control staff.

Air traffic control strikes can even impact travellers who are just flying over an affected country.

This means that mass delays and disruption can be caused even if staff from just one country are striking.

There was good news for travellers flying from Gatwick after staff called off a planned strike for the end of July and start of August.

Workers at four firms which employ ground staff and baggage handlers had planned to go on strike.

Staff at three of the four firms accepted offers while union members from the fourth company paused action to vote on a deal.