Some Ryanair flights cancelled over technical issues

Ryanair has confirmed the flights of a small number of passengers were cancelled by a technical issue before being reinstated.

The problem impacted the flights that were due to take place in the first week of February next year.

"When this error was noted early on Friday morning, these flights were reinstated before 10am and correction emails were sent to all affected passengers," the airline said in a statement.

A spokesperson was unable to say how many flights or passengers were affected, but said they were across the airline's European network.

She said the flights were reinstated and passengers were notified before many would have even realised that they had been cancelled or had time to rebook with another carrier.

The airline said any customers who did rebook can contact customer service with proof of another booking and they will be refunded.