Ryanair to offer Irish soccer fans option of 'day-return' flights

IRISH SOCCER fans will have the opportunity to make a day-trip to Poland to see the national team compete in next June’s Euro 2012 competition, after Ryanair announced it is to run special “day-return” flights to Poland.

The flights, which cost €398 return, will depart from Dublin at 8.30am and return from Poland at 2am, on June 10th, 14th and 18th, the dates of Ireland’s three group stage matches.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said the airline would schedule extra flights depending on demand.

“I think we’ll sell one flight no problem. Whether we’ll get two or three I don’t know.”

Mr O’Leary confirmed that the €398 return price-tag was inclusive of taxes and charges, but excluding baggage. He also said that all seats would be sold at €398, including seats on any extra flights that might be scheduled.

Ryanair will fly to Poznan for the Croatian and Spanish matches on June 10th and 14th respectively, and to Gdansk for the Italy match on June 18th. The airport in Poznan is located 5km from the stadium, while the airport in Gdansk is 20km away.

Ryanair already serves nine cities in Poland. A regular return flight from Dublin to Poznan leaving on Friday, June 9th, and returning Monday, June 11th, costs just over €388, according to Ryanair’s website yesterday.

Asked whether the cost of the “same-day” flights was excessive, Mr O’Leary said Ryanair’s day-return fare was cheaper than comparable fares from Abbey Travel and Thomas Cook.

However, he conceded that the additional flights would make money for the company. “We’re doing this in the national interest. We’re out there supporting the team, putting on flights,” he said. “Are we going to make a few quid out of this? Absolutely. We wouldn’t be doing it otherwise.”

Donning a green jersey, the Ryanair chief said he would not be attending the matches himself. He also predicted that tickets would not be a problem for Irish fans.