Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has hit back at criticism regarding the price of flights to Prague for Ireland’s World Cup playoff in March against Czechia.
The criticism came following an increase of 159% in flights to Prague. It costed up to €1,000 for return flights from Dublin to Prague, in the hours following the playoff draw.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, the Ryanair CEO defended the price hike. “We have a daily flight to Prague, during the draw, all the remaining seats on those flights on the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday were all sold out.”
Responding to calls from Senator Mark Duffy to launch a review of airline pricing through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, O’Leary said: “I nearly crashed the car on the M4 this morning listening to that interview. He couldn’t be more wrong.”
O’Leary stated the flights to Prague were sold out before the draw was made. “So before the draw was even concluded yesterday, we’re completely full on our daily flight to Prague.”
He added, “What do we do? We added, within an hour of the draw yesterday, we had an extra 15 flights going out to Prague and returning from Prague on that week. Now the reality of those flights is the returns are empty.”
In total, 15 extra flights have been added for Ireland’s crunch match against Czechia. Many Irish soccer supporters have taken to social media to voice their grievances with the price increases.
Went straight on to check price of flights to Prague immediately after the draw was made. Out on the Wednesday, home on the Friday €265 …. rang a lad to see if he was on for going, he said go for it… went back online, same flights went to €655
— Fergal Lynch (@truefergallynch) November 20, 2025
Michael O’Leary saying he’s can’t believe he’s been accused of putting Prague flights up I got mine £80 return just after Draw made then check shortly after and they’ve went up to £700+
— Eoghan (@Eoghan860) November 21, 2025
The Irish soccer fans who were lucky to procure a seat will be hoping they can continue their strong form. Just two wins separates the team from a first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Should Ireland be successful, supporters will be able to book cross Atlantic flights in the knowledge their plane seats will be free from Ryanair’s pricing tactics.