AN angry dad has accused low cost airline Ryanair of attempting to “profit from terrorism” after a group of young Labour party activists from Warrington were caught up in aftermath of the bomb attacks on Brussels.
Mark Parker
Tickets which had cost around £45, were suddenly £200 to return, which would have cost the party £6,000 to fly home.
Warrington businessman Mark Parker’s daughter Rebecca, aged 18, was one of a group of 28 travelling to Brussels earlier today, to visit the EU Commission, campaigning for Britain in stay in the Europe.
The bombs were going off at the airport as they were taking off, with the bomb at the Metro Station going off as they were landing, claiming at least 31 lives, with many more injured.
With phone lines down Mark from Westbrook was desperately attempting to contact his daughter to check she was safe and to get her home.
“I couldn’t believe it when Rebecca told me a return ticket would now cost £200. I am outraged that Ryan air is attempting to profiteer from terrorism.
“I told Rebecca I would pay the £200 just to get her home to safety. But she insisted on staying with her friends and they will be returning tomorrow now. I am disgusted with Ryanair.
Ryanair said in a statement: “This group of 28 passengers were travelling from Brussels Charleroi to Manchester tomorrow at a fare of £20 each.
“They arrived at the ticket desk in Brussels Charleroi this morning requesting to change their flight from Brussels Charleroi to today and in common with all other passengers were offered this change at our change fee plus the upgrade to the available fare – £154 – on this evening’s flight.
“The reason for the upgrade is that there were only 28 seats remaining on this evening’s flight.
“This group, declined to accept this change offer as is their right and we look forward to welcoming them on their scheduled flight from Brussels Charleroi tomorrow.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to this group but our priority today remains re-accommodating our disrupted Brussels Zaventem passengers, and all other passengers are free to avail of our change facility in the normal manner.”
