An Aito operator is threatening to report Ryanair to competition authorities over plans to start flights to Lourdes in December.
John Tangney, director of Tangney Tours, claimed the no-frills carrier’s plans will mean fewer disabled people will be able to visit the shrine, famed for its healing powers.
He wants the Competition Commission to investigate the deal Ryanair has signed with Lourdes airport which he said makes it impossible for his charter-based operation to compete.
Tangney fears he will lose able-bodied customers to Ryanair because he will not be able to compete on price.
He has to pay for full service operations and extra airport help to cater for up to 20 wheelchair passengers per flight.
He said that could force him to cancel 20 of his 120 flights a year – meaning fewer seats would be available for disabled passengers. Ryanair has a limit of four wheelchair users per flight
Tangney claimed Ryanair had negotiated a 75%, or £1,500, per flight discount on airport charges that would allow it to undercut his fares.
Quoted from: ttglive.com
Anyway, one has to expect some real problems with passengers who "don't understand" that Lourdes is a "ski destination" and will be coming on wheelchairs, certainly more than four per flight...