Ryanair boss says fears of new European lockdowns are deterring bookings

Covid surge in Europe before Christmas also delaying passengers' early summer 2022 plans, says Michael O'Leary

European airlines face a slump in Christmas and early summer travel as the spectre of another wave of lockdowns puts people off booking holidays, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has warned.

Austria's decision to impose a third national lockdown from Monday, which could last until 12 December, to curb a surge in coronavirus cases and fatalities, has stoked fears of a wave of tighter travel restrictions being imposed across Europe.