Ryanair is having talks with a number of airports in connection with its decision to ground 80 aircraft in winter.

An airline spokesman said the decision was taken primarily because of higher oil prices envisaged for next winter but also in view of the refusal by some airports to offer lower charges.

Civil aviation industry sources noted it was not unusual for the airline to use such ploys to press for lower airport charges.

“It’s obvious this decision will have an impact on most of our routes and this will happen across the entire network. However, at this stage it is still too early to say where and how,” the Ryanair spokesman said.

He said the airline was holding talks with various airports, especially in relation to costs. He refused to say whether Malta International Airport was one of them but a government spokesman said such talks were planned to be held.

The Dublin-based carrier made its decision public a fortnight ago when it also announced a profit after tax of €401 million, up 26 per cent on the previous year, as passenger traffic grew by eight per cent and fares rose by 12 per cent.