European airlines are bracing themselves for tough times ahead, against a backdrop of declining fares, labor actions and the impact of terrorist attacks. The March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings sent another tragic ripple through Europe, causing 6% growth in March to slim to just 1.8% in April. While this was partly because of the 12-day closure of Brussels Airport, the attacks also triggered a downturn in demand. "It tends to hit pricing for the next three to five months," Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said, referring to the Brussels and Paris bombings and the EgyptAir crash. "Airlines have to respond with lower prices to keep people flying."
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