Ryanair expects staff to strike during Easter week in Ireland or Portugal, chief executive Michael O‘Leary has said, as talks with some unions over formal recognition and improved conditions falter.

Ryanair is to cut its Shannon airport flights by a fifth, it was announced today.

Up to 500 new jobs and more air routes to Europe are being jeopardised by the delay to the George Best Belfast City Airport runway extension, Ryanair claimed today.