Ryanair strike in July 2018: Dates and what to do if your summer holiday has been affected

Tens of thousands of Ryanair customers using the budget airlines have had their flights cancelled after staff announced a series of strikes.

With the strikes set to run through the busy summer month of July, the dates will clash with the summer school break when most families will be taking their kids on holiday.

Here is everything you need to know about the strikes, what to do if your flight has been affected and whether you're entitled to compensation.

What are the dates of the Ryanair strikes?

Ryanair has confirmed they are cancelling 24 flights on Friday July 20, affecting around 4,000 passengers.

Ryanair cabin crew based in other parts of Europe will also be going on strike.

Crew in Italy will go on strike for 24-hours on July 25 and crew in Spain, Portugal and Belgium will strike for 48-hours on July 25 and 26.

Will my flight be affected?

Most of the cancellations on Friday will affect flights between the UK and Dublin.

Ryanair has said it will typically give 48 hours warning to passengers whose flights have been affected.

Anyone travelling to these countries who has not been contacted by SMS message or email should expect to travel a normal.

What are my options if my Ryanair flight is cancelled?

Travellers affected are being offered refunds on transfers to alternative flights where possible.

Passengers stuck overnight are entitled to meals and accommodation until Ryanair can get them to their chosen destination.

Can I claim compensation?

According to consumer rights watchdog Which? if your flight is delayed due to a strike, the airline is obligated to provide you with assistance, which can include food, drink and accommodation.

However, airlines are under no obligation to offer compensation because strikes are generally considered to be "extraordinary circumstances."

Writing to the Mail on Sunday, Ryanair said: "Under EU261 legislation, no compensation is due when the union is acting unreasonably and totally beyond the airline's control."

Why are Ryanair staff striking?

Nearly 100 pilots who voted to strike have raised issues over annual leave arrangements, management and transfer of flights between European and North African locations.

Ryanair responded to the dispute claiming their pilots enjoy "the best working conditions of perhaps any group of Irish workers."

Cabin crew across Europe have presented Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary with a list of 34 demands.

These include improving economic and safety conditions, reducing agency employment and giving staff the right to sick pay.