On July 11, Ryanair announced its resignation from the UK Aviation Council, an industry group established by the British government to assist in implementing the country's aviation strategy.

The airline criticized the council as a "talking shop" that has failed to provide any benefits or reforms for passengers.

The UK Aviation Council was formed in February and tasked with advising on a ten-year plan outlined by ministers to enhance airport capacity, promote sustainable aviation fuels, and improve the consumer experience. Its members consist of top executives from major airlines operating in the UK, including easyJet and British Airways (owned by IAG), as well as representatives from airports and trade bodies.

Ryanair expressed disappointment with the council's lack of action and called for specific measures such as reducing UK visa costs, advocating for air space reform in Europe, and enhancing border control, air traffic control, and staffing procedures. The airline had initially joined the council based on assurances from Transport Minister Mark Harper that it would be a proactive body to enhance the resilience of UK aviation.

However, according to Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary, those promises turned out to be empty, with the council becoming little more than a platform for government officials and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to discuss reform without implementing any substantial changes. Photo by Bene Riobó, Wikimedia commons.