A Ukrainian woman living in Ireland has begged Ryanair to keep its fares low after it hiked the ticket prices she booked for her fleeing family. 

Describing the situation in Ukraine as a “complete disaster”, Mariya Nikishanova said that her family are in mortal danger: 

"One part of the family is in big trouble,” Mariya told Lunchtime Live. 

“They are in Irpin, which is Kyiv region, already there were three attacks - everyday big attacks. 

“They are really bad. I just talked to them and they said, 'We are waiting for death.'"

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2HPXC41 Ukrainian tanks move into the city, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Mariupol, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Over the weekend she bought tickets to Ireland for her mother, sister and niece. However, whilst in the middle of booking, she saw the price shoot up before her eyes: 

“They are going to be in Ireland on Thursday, I was buying the ticket for them from Ryanair and I was booking tickets for three people on Sunday,” Mariya recalled. 

“The flight is from Warsaw to Dublin, I selected the tickets, they were around 500 złoty (€105) which is not cheap for one ticket. 

“And when I continued and I was entering the names, something happened; it said to me when I was trying to pay there was an error. 

“So I went back, I selected the same ticket and the price was 700 złoty (€147) and I had to pay 700 złoty instead of 500. 

“In euro, those three tickets, one-way from Warsaw to Dublin, is [nearly] 500 euros.” 

She continued, her voice filled with despair: 

“I would just like to ask businesses, I know you are in a tough situation after COVID, but just if you could keep the price normal?

“I mean, 500 euro for three tickets for Ukrainians who are running from war, it’s too expensive, they will not be able to come here.” 

A Ukrainian serviceman reacts while holding a weapon in Kharkiv, Ukraine on February 25, 2022. Picture by: REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo / Maksim Levin

In a statement to Newstalk, Ryanair said: 

“Ryanair offers great choice and low fares on its Warsaw – Dublin route… and as I am sure you will understand, the fares on the next available flights [Thursday & Friday] are higher given the demand, the ultimate reduced supply and proximity to the flight’s departure time.”

Main image: The tailfin of Ryanair Boeing 737-800 taxiing along the runway in front of the control tower at Manchester Airport.