British Airways is slashing some flights expecting low demand, but Ryanair is reasonably confident that tourists will be taking holidays across Europe in June, July and August.
Michael O'Leary, group chief executive of Ryanair group, said his growing optimism was based on the speed of the British vaccine rollout.
Following a surge in bookings from the UK and Germany, he said Ryanair planned to operate at 80% of a normal summer schedule in July, August and September.
"I think it is very difficult to persuade the UK population to sit at home, or holiday at home when everybody's been vaccinated,"
At present, UK bans all foreign travel, except for work, education or health criteria. However, there will be a review in April & possibly allow it from Mid May.
Ryanair is also adding 26 new routes to destinations in Greece, Portugal and Spain from the UK.
"I think there's a reasonable prospect, higher than 50%, of the UK families will be holidaying in June, July and August, in theory, in Spain, Greece and Portugal as normal," he added.
Ryanair is also expecting to take delivery of 16 Boeing 737 MAX aircrafts before the coming summer season.
