Ryanair strike fears push up last-minute booking fares by E100 a seat

Holidaymakers are facing hikes of around E100 a seat for last-minute getaways as airfares rocket due to Ryanair strikes. Members of the travel industry claim airline prices have taken off due to a lack of competition as passengers shy away from the carrier. CE of the Irish Travel Agents Association Pat Dawson said the carrier's woes have pushed up some prices to popular destinations including Malaga, Faro and Majorca by more than E50 each way. He said flights to Malaga were currently on sale for up to E600 with some airlines. Ryanair's rivals are enjoying a boost in bookings as a campaign of industrial action that began among a minority of pilots in Ireland has spread across Europe. More than 110,000 passengers have already been hit by flight cancellations due to stoppages. <br/>