Ryanair strike dates 2019 called off – why were cabin crew striking and is it still impacting flights?

RYANAIR faces a number of strikes this month as cabin crew staff prepare to stage multiple walkouts — but all three dates have now been called off.

Here is what you need to know about the proposed strikes and why they're no longer on the cards.

What were the Ryanair January 2019 strike dates?

and why were they called off?

Cabin crew in Spain called three strike days in January, on Tuesday 8, Thursday 10 and Sunday 13.

The walkouts were called by the two unions, USO and Sitcpla, which claim Ryanair is "refusing to abide by the Spanish constitution" and provide work contracts according to Spanish law.

On January 7, the first walkout date was suspended.

that unions representing cabin crew in Spain had called off the first of three dates marked for walkouts.

Purser Manuel Lodeiro who represents Sitcpla told AFP: "Basically it is to give more opportunity for the negotiations to keep going."

Then on January 9 the rest of the dates were also called off.

According to the unions, the strike days were cancelled following "an agreement reached in the early hours of the morning".

There has been no disruption on flights caused by these strike dates.

When were the last Ryanair strikes?

Previously, it was announced on September 13 that Ryanair cabin crew would stage another 24-hour strike on Friday, September 28.

The nations where the strikes took place were Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands.

On September 26, Ryanair pilots in Germany announced they would join colleagues on strike.

“No improved offer has been made to VC since the last industrial action on September 12 2018. In addition, no conciliation agreement has been reached between Ryanair and VC so far,” German union VC said in a statement.

Spain's USO union said: “We are sorry to provoke a new setback and we have tried to give notice as soon as possible, but it is necessary to cut the problem at the root so that in the future the company complies with the legislation for workers and users."

The strike was announced following a meeting with the European Commission, and was once again over pay and conditions.

If my Ryanair flight is cancelled can I get my money back?

If your flight has been cancelled due to strike action you should be entitled to either a refund or a booking on another flight with the company.

Travel insurer Columbus Direct told that passengers on flights affected in Europe are protected.

Caroline Vicente, a travel expert at the firm, said: "As Ryanair is a European airline if you are due to travel during this time and your flight is cancelled you are protected.

"You have the option to take an alternative flight with the airline to your destination, or cancel your flight and claim a full refund.

"If the alternative flight Ryanair offer isn't at the right time for you, Ryanair is legally required to book you on a comparable flight with them or an alternative airline. You should not be charged more for this."