Ryanair Announces Expansion at London-Stansted
Ryanair, Europe’s premier low-cost airline, has unveiled plans to significantly expand its operations at London-Stansted Airport, its largest base. This strategic move includes the launch of seven new routes connecting Stansted with various European cities not previously served by the airline. These new destinations include Bodrum and Dalaman in Turkey; Clermont-Ferrand in France; Münster and Lübeck in Germany; Linz in Austria; and Reggio Calabria in Italy. This announcement coincides with the UK Government’s plans to accelerate infrastructure development at several London airports, including a proposed third runway at Heathrow.
In addition to the new routes, Ryanair is also increasing the frequency of flights on 30 existing routes from Stansted. This includes popular destinations such as Gdansk, Ibiza, Valencia, Malaga, Milan, Rome, and Turin. To facilitate this growth, Ryanair will be stationing an additional Boeing 737-8200 at Stansted, representing a $100 million investment. This expansion will not only boost the airline’s capacity but also create 30 new jobs, enhancing local employment opportunities in aviation-related fields.
Taking Aim at UK Airport Tax
Despite its expansion, Ryanair has criticized recent decisions by the UK Government regarding airport taxation. The airline argues that the increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) by £2 per passenger for short-haul flights from 2026 will negatively impact both regional connectivity and tourism. This tax hike, Ryanair contends, will make UK air travel less competitive compared to countries like Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, which are reducing or abolishing similar taxes to stimulate their own economic growth.
Ryanair has publicly urged the UK’s Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to reconsider the APD increase. They argue that this tax is counterproductive to growth and will deter tourists from visiting the UK, potentially diverting them to other European destinations. The airline stresses that such fiscal policies could undermine the benefits of their new investments in regions like Stansted.
Michael O’Leary’s View
In a recent press briefing, Ryanair’s outspoken chairman, Michael O’Leary, criticized the UK’s Chancellor for lack of foresight and clarity in strategies to boost the aviation sector. O’Leary highlighted the inefficacy of discussing major airport expansions like Heathrow’s third runway, which are unlikely to materialize for decades. Instead, he advocates for immediate action to abolish the punitive APD, which he believes would yield swift and significant economic benefits across the UK. O’Leary’s critique extends to the broader governmental approach to aviation, which he finds lacking in both ambition and practicality for immediate growth.