Ryanair seem attached to once-successful policy that hastened the firm's enormous growth when they were the first, dominant if not unique low cost carrier in Europe. But now the situation is quite different yet they are unable to change their image. "The majority of European airports compete to become Ryanair base." Not viable any more. It's a bluff, actually. "Ryanair urging", "Ryanair challenging", "Ryanair warning", "Ryanair threatening"... Be careful, it can fire back! FR is still mighty, but there are dark clouds gathering if their attitude remains unchanged.
I don't believe FR would completely ground those 20 planes. Frankly, it would be a defeat in my eyes, like they were admitting: "We are unable to fill our planes in spite of low prices." Why? The one-sidedness of the offer perhaps? The targeted consumers in short supply?
Obviously there are many ways to become more attractive, not only thanks to the low prices (albeit it's important too). By differentiating the offer perhaps? By addressing some other customer groups maybe (business people fly regardless of the unattractive weather, aren't they)? By being more friendly to the surrounding world? It could be the right time to re-think a few issues, don't you think?