Ryanair Unveils Belfast Summer 2025 Routes
Ryanair is set to transform travel options for Northern Ireland as it unveils its summer 2025 schedule for Belfast. Despite expressing concerns that regional UK travel and tourism are “suffering” under the current Labour government, the low-cost carrier is moving forward with an aggressive route expansion strategy that promises greater connectivity and more choices for travelers.
The new summer schedule, announced on February 26, 2024, introduces an impressive 19 routes from Belfast International Airport. Among these new services is a direct flight to Kaunas, Lithuania—a fresh addition aimed at appealing to both leisure and business travelers. In addition to the Kaunas route, the schedule includes increased frequencies to some of Europe’s most popular summer destinations such as Malaga, Alicante, and Malta. Ryanair’s move is designed to offer Northern Irish passengers a wider selection of routes, ensuring regular and reliable connections across the continent.
Belfast International Airport’s CEO, Dan Owens, welcomed the announcement, stating, “Since returning to Belfast International Airport, Ryanair has offered local passengers greater choice and connectivity with fantastic routes on offer. The announcement of 19 routes over the summer period, including the new summer route to Kaunas in Lithuania, only enhances this offering.” Owens emphasized that the expanded network would not only benefit travelers but also contribute to the local economy.
Central to Ryanair’s growth in Belfast is a significant investment in the region. The airline has committed approximately $200 million to establish and maintain its two aircraft base at Belfast International Airport. This strategic investment has already created over 1,000 local jobs and is set to bolster the region’s economic prospects by further integrating Belfast into Ryanair’s extensive network.
However, while the airline celebrates its expansion, it is also vocal about the challenges facing regional connectivity in the UK. Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, criticized the new policies imposed by the current Labour government. “Ryanair could be growing more rapidly to and from Belfast and the wider UK, but Rachel Reeves’ bizarre decision to raise APD taxes by £2 per passenger damages these growth prospects, especially for regional UK airports,” Brady said. He argued that such taxes hinder competitiveness, particularly when European rivals in Sweden, Hungary, Ireland, and Italy are either reducing or eliminating similar aviation taxes, leading to dramatic increases in traffic, tourism, and job creation.
The airline contends that the increased APD tax unfairly affects regular UK families travelling abroad on holiday and discourages millions of potential tourists from choosing the UK as their travel hub. Ryanair is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to abolish the APD tax, describing it as a “penal and damaging” measure that undermines the potential for regional economic growth.
In summary, while Ryanair continues to expand its route network from Belfast, offering a host of new summer 2025 flights that promise increased choice and better connectivity, the airline remains concerned about government policies that could stifle growth. With strategic investments and a clear vision for expanding its European footprint, Ryanair is determined to keep Belfast at the heart of its network—delivering value to travelers and driving economic growth in the region, even as it calls on policymakers to support the industry by eliminating burdensome taxes.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Ryanair