Ryanair PLC (LON:RYA) was threatened to receive a ban by the Italian civil aviation authority ENAC over accusations it is flaunting coronavirus safety rules.
Planes can fly to and from Italy at full capacity only if they respect rules such as enforcing use of face masks, avoid unnecessary gathering and installing specific air filters.
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ENAC did not provide details on Ryanair’s breaching of rules but said the budget carrier could be mandated to operate flights at 50% capacity to ensure distancing, or be banned altogether.
Ryanair told the Evening Standard that the claims made by ENAC are “factually incorrect” and insisted it is “committed to the highest level of safety for our passengers and crew at all times”.
It said its procedures are “in line with the safety recommendations and measures set out by the Italian government”.
Shares slid 2% to €11.38 on Thursday at noon.