Ryanair ramps up UK October capacity, citing Heathrow cap

Ryanair Holdings Plc is adding 500 flights to its autumn schedule from its base at London Stansted airport as the discount carrier looks to win more customers after Heathrow extended a cap on capacity. 

The extra flights will give Ryanair an additional 100,000 seats during the mid-term school holidays to destinations including Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece, the airline said in an emailed statement. 

On Monday, Heathrow said a daily limit of 100,000 departing passengers will now apply until Oct. 29 as the UK’s biggest hub contends with a prolonged labor shortage at ground-handling firms.

Describing Heathrow as “hopeless,” Ryanair Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary said both the carrier and Stansted have sufficient staff to handle the extra flights.