Ryanair Boosts Belfast Summer Flights, Slams UK Government
Ryanair Unveils Summer 2025 Schedule for Belfast: New Routes and Growing Connectivity
Ryanair, the leading low-cost carrier in Europe, has announced its exciting summer 2025 schedule for Belfast, the bustling capital of Northern Ireland. This announcement comes amidst concerns that regional UK travel and tourism are “suffering” under the new Labour government. The new schedule introduces 19 routes, including a fresh service to Kaunas, Lithuania, and increased flights to popular summer destinations such as Malaga, Alicante, and Malta.
In a statement released on February 26, 2024, Ryanair emphasized that this expansion will provide Northern Irish customers with enhanced travel options and regular connections across Europe. “Since returning to Belfast International Airport, Ryanair has offered local passengers greater choice and connectivity with fantastic routes on offer,” stated Dan Owens, CEO of Belfast International Airport.
New Routes and Increased Capacity
Ryanair’s summer schedule features the following highlights:
- New Route: Service to Kaunas, Lithuania
- More Flights: Increased frequency to Malaga, Alicante, and Malta
- Total Routes: 19 routes available for summer travel
This expansion is powered by Ryanair’s investment of $200 million in two aircraft based in Belfast, which has generated over 1,000 local jobs. Despite this growth, Ryanair expressed concerns about the impact of recent tax changes on regional connectivity and tourism.
Tax Hikes Impacting Growth
Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, voiced criticism over the recent decision by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to raise Air Passenger Duty (APD) taxes by £2 per passenger. Brady stated, “Ryanair could be growing more rapidly to/from Belfast and the wider UK, but this tax increase damages growth prospects, particularly for regional airports.”
The airline argues that this rise in APD is not just a financial burden but also a deterrent for families traveling abroad and a barrier to attracting international tourists to the UK. Ryanair insists that abolishing the APD tax could significantly enhance tourism and economic growth in UK regions.
Call for Action Against APD Tax
Ryanair is urging the UK government to reconsider its stance on APD taxes, suggesting that abolishing this “penal and damaging” tax would level the playing field with EU countries that are eliminating aviation taxes. “If the UK government wants to deliver growth, they should abolish their penal and damaging APD tax,” Brady added.
The airline emphasizes that removing the APD tax could lead to a surge in travel, tourism, and job growth across the UK.
Conclusion
As Ryanair continues to expand its offerings at Belfast International Airport, the airline’s future growth hinges on government policies that support regional connectivity. Share your thoughts on Ryanair’s new summer schedule and the impact of APD taxes in the comments below. For more travel updates and industry news, check out our related articles.
For further insights on travel trends, visit Ryanair’s official website and Belfast International Airport.
