Ryanairmay defy new passport rules for British passengers this summer.

The airline has suggested that it may allow British dual citizens to board flights to the UK without a British passport from next week, when new, slightly confusing rules come into force.

From next Wednesday, dual citizens have been told they must present a British passport when travelling to the UK, or obtain a “certificate of entitlement” that costs £589. At the moment, they can enter using non-British passports.

The new rule applies to all dual British citizens regardless of where they live. The Home Office has told airlines to deny boarding to any dual citizen who does not have a British passport, including children.

However, amid concern about the confusing nature of the new rule and fears that British citizens would be left stuck out of the country, Ryanair has suggested that it could defy the new regulations, The Times reports.

The airline was asked if dual citizens would be allowed to board if they presented a foreign passport without an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) — the new visa-waiver scheme — and also had proof of British citizenship.

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In response, a spokesperson for the company said: “Yes, we will allow a passenger to board a flight to the UK if we are satisfied that the passenger is a British national, an Irish national or is in possession of any other status in the UK, including passengers who hold an old stamp/vignette with indefinite leave to remain."

Ryanair pointed to a UK government carrier support hub that would help verify passengers’ identities and eligibility to travel.

From February 25, visitors to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Those without an ETA will not be able to board their flight, ferry or train. British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement, but they will have to meet other requirements.

In order to travel to the UK, dual nationals will now need a valid British passport. Alternatively, they can pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport. Dual nationals have previously been able to enter the UK using their non-British passport without cost.

Dual nationals who try to enter the UK using only a foreign passport could face complications. British citizens have a statutory right of abode in the UK, but travellers might be subject to additional checks while their status is verified. They could also be stopped from boarding if they cannot prove their right of entry.

The Government announced the rules last year, but some dual nationals have said the changes have been brought in at short notice and were poorly communicated. There are fears that holidays or work trips could be affected if people cannot get a passport or certificate of entitlement in time.

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People affected have said the rule changes make them feel like “second-class citizens”, arguing that they will be put in a worse position than foreign citizens, who can travel to the UK on their foreign passport and a £16 ETA.

Luke Petherbridge, Abta’s director of public affairs, urged the government to introduce a grace period, during which carriers should be allowed to let people board with alternative proof of citizenship, as Ryanair has said it will.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We recognise that this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, but we have been clear on requirements for dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, in line with those for all British citizens.

"At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation. Separately, individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK. In line with current practice, on arrival at the UK border, Border Force will still assess a person’s suitability to enter the UK and conduct additional checks if required."

The Home Office has confirmed that the new rules apply to children and babies, even if they are travelling with a parent who has a British passport. However, Border Force agents will have “discretion” about whether to allow them in.

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