Base closures and fleet reduction by Ryanair – perceived in some quarters as a punishment for the lawful industrial actions by pilots and cabin crew – are seen as a declaration of war to the crew across the whole network. There is concern that this latest development will seriously exacerbate the recent deterioration in the relationship between the airline and its pilots and cabin crew, which has already seen strike action in some countries. This message comes from the Presidents of European pilot unions and associations, who met last week in Vienna. The aggressive move by Ryanair management comes on top of already tense relations with its employees and stalling negotiations in numerous countries.