Ryanair sparks backlash over 'classless' jab and go vaccine ad
A new Ryanair advert urging would-be tourists to “jab and go” for their holiday this year has been criticised as “distasteful and disgusting”.
Referencing the coronavirus vaccines, the airline has urged people to book a summer holiday in anticipation of people being allowed to travel with fewer restrictions as they gain protection from Covid-19.
However, it has triggered a backlash from some on Twitter, who branded it “classless” and “disrespectful” to frontline workers.
Ryanair’s advert says it has a million seats available from £19.99 under the slogan “vaccines are coming” and “jab and go!”.
Bookings can be made up until 3 January and the travel must take place between 1 April and 31 October.
But some Twitter users criticised the messaging.
Ridiculous advert from Ryanair! 'A vaccine is coming so book your holiday!' And 'Jab and go' how distasteful and disrespectful to those currently fighting the virus and the frontline workers! 😡 #RYANAIR
— vicky (@ClementsVicky) December 27, 2020
Just seen the new Ryanair advert. How utterly classless. We all want to go away without worry and PCR tests etc etc but to think people are just going to ‘Jab and Go’ is deluded.
— Danielle 🇾🇪💛💚 (@daniellejmufc) December 28, 2020
The Metro reported that a Ryanair spokesperson said it was celebrating the arrival of the jabs.
“Vaccine certificates will have no use in intra-EU travelling and will not be a requirement when flying Ryanair,” the spokesperson said.
“‘Jab and Go’ celebrates that vaccines are coming and industries like aviation will see a recovery soon.
“With Ryanair’s unbeatable low fares, Europeans can now book the summer getaway they have been dreaming of for 2021!”.
Yahoo News UK contacted Ryanair for comment on Monday afternoon.
The advert comes as Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said changes brought about by the pandemic, which have massively damaged tourism industries and airlines, provided opportunities.
He told the Financial Times that his company was in talks with airports in Europe to expand its capacity.
“I have never in my 30 years in the industry seen such a clean-out,” he told the FT.
“The real seismic change from Covid will be the growth opportunities across Europe. They are much greater than after the financial crisis or 9/11.”
Ryanair previously reported its October traffic was down by 70% to 4.1 million passengers.
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