O'Leary says Ryanair planning for a busy Christmas period       

Low-cost airline's bookings for festive holiday season running ahead of pre-pandemic levels, says chief executive 

Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary said pricing is ahead by a low double-digit percentage. Picture: Brian Lawless

The bosses of Ryanair and Wizz Air have said the low-cost airlines are set for strong bookings in the next few months as passengers prepare to fly freely for the first time in three years over Christmas since the pandemic.

"Christmas is very strong. At the moment, Christmas bookings are running ahead of where they were pre-Covid in 2019 and pricing is ahead by a low double-digit percentage," Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary told reporters.