Ryanair has backtracked by shelving plans to start low-cost transatlantic flights.
The U-turn came just days after the budget carrier confirmed it was talking to manufacturers about long-haul aircraft.
Chief marketing office Kenny Jacobs originally disclosed Ryanair’s long-haul ambitions to Travel Weekly earlier this month.
But in a brief stock exchange statement yesterday, the Irish airline said it had not approved any such plans, nor would it.
“In the light of recent press coverage, the board of Ryanair Holdings wishes to clarify that it has not considered or approved any transatlantic project and does not intend to do so,” the airline said.
Ryanair had said on Monday that its board had approved transatlantic flights as part of its plans for future growth, but they could take up to five years to become a reality.
A spokesman said at the start of the week: “European consumers want lower cost travel to the USA and the same for Americans coming to Europe. We see it as a logical development in the European market.”