07 September 2023 , 13:21
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Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has been slapped in the face with two cream pies by environment activists as he got ready for a press conference in Brussels today.
Mr O'Leary was about to speak to journalists and deliver a petition amid news Ryanair pilots based in Belgium had called a strike, when a woman ran up and threw the pie at his face while shouting: "Welcome to Belgium" before walking away. The 62-year-old was speaking next to a cardboard cut-out of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen when he was attacked and replied "Well done" as the woman ran from the room.
He didn't appear to be knocked too far off his stride and told media who watched the situation unfold: "I have never had such a warm welcome. Unfortunately it was environmentalists and the cream was artificial. I invite passengers to come to Ireland where the cream is better!"
The woman hit the pie in Michael O'Leary's face (OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)The pie protest came as Ryanair pilots in Belgium announced a new strike on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15 over pay and working conditions. It is their fourth strike in two months. Mr O'Leary told reporters: "In 2023, there have been a staggering 63 days of ATC strikes, a twelvefold increase compared to the previous year. These strikes have forced EU airlines to cancel thousands of EU overflights, affecting travellers from Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, and Ireland.
"In contrast, France has implemented Minimum Service Laws to protect its domestic and short-haul flights, exacerbating the inconvenience faced by EU passengers. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s inaction has allowed over 1.2 million EU travellers to endure last-minute flight cancellations, even when their flights do not involve France. It's not acceptable that UK Nats simply allow their computer systems to be taken down and everybody's flights get cancelled."
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The airline also posted a picture of their boss on their own social media with the caption: "Warm welcome in Brussels today to celebrate RYR’s 7 new routes for Winter 23. Passengers so happy with our routes and petition that they’re celebrating with cake. We’ve got tasty low fares!"