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[Robert Bing]

 LONDON (Reuters) - Irish low-cost airline Ryanair said on Wednesday it was launching a price war against other European airlines, giving away 10 million seats virtually free in its biggest ever promotion.

The 5-week promotion came after four days of weakening shares in the sector and as its closest rival, easyJet, said passenger numbers were being hit by higher taxes, rising interest rates and environmental concerns.

"I'd expect this to put further downward pressure on prices, put further pressure on Ryanair's yields, and on everyone else's yields, not just in the UK, but all across Europe," Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told reporters. "We're launching a price war in Europe."

Ryanair normally offers a fraction of its seats at discount prices, but Wednesday's promotion represents close to half its capacity.

Ryanair launches airline price war

[che]

I like this kind of war (where the consumer always wins) 

[cindy]

I was talking to someone the other day whose wife called him about a cheap flight she saw to Krakow.  Did he want to go?  His response was that it was a mistake to waste time calling him, just book anything interesting she sees.  I wonder how many trips she'll be booking in a price war?

[che]

It's hard to resist a free flight (even if you still have to pay taxes). 

I heard that Ryanair once had a sale where they paid the taxes. Is it true?

[cindy]

I don't know if that is even legal.  When I use frequent flyer miles for 'free' international tickets, I always have to pay taxes and fees, but I don't when I use miles for free tickets inside the US.