MUST IRELAND WAIT UNTIL U.S BLOCKS AER LINGUS FLIGHTS, OR CANCELS MARTIN’S WHITE HOUSE VISIT, BEFORE DUBLIN’S ILLEGAL CAP IS SCRAPPED??

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, today (Wed, 21 Jan) called for Micheál “do-nothing” Martin to return immediately from this week’s “doss in Davos”, and pass Legislation to scrap Dublin Airport’s illegal cap before the end of January. Otherwise, Ireland runs the real risk, that the Trump Administration will block Aer Lingus flights landing in the USA, or even worse, Micheál Martin’s March trip to the White House. Micheál Martin’s inaction on the Dublin Airport cap is indefensible, 13 months after his 20-seat majority Govt published their Program in Jan 2025, promising that the Dublin cap would be scrapped “as soon as possible”. Sadly, in Micheál Martin’s world “as soon as possible” means 1, 2, or 3 years maybe later.

The inaction of Micheál Martin’s Govt is an embarrassment. Airlines 4 America have now filed a complaint with the U.S DOT, calling on the U.S Govt to take reciprocal action against Ireland for its indefensible failure to scrap the cap. The main reason for this inaction is Micheál Martin’s never-ending “worldwide tour”, which last year included visits to Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Angola, and frequent trips to Brussels. Already in Jan, he has been to China, and this week he is wasting more time “dossing in Davos” getting his photo taken, while his Govt delivers zero action here at home. What chance has Ireland got of real reform on housing or infrastructure, when Micheál Martin’s Govt (with a 20-seat majority) haven’t scrapped the Dublin Airport cap, 13 months after they promised to do “as soon as possible”.

Irish airports can grow, but only if Micheál Martin acts NOW to scrap the Dublin cap, freeze the DAA’s high fees, and reform Europe’s unfair ETS taxation scam. Ryanair could grow its Irish traffic by 50% from 23m to 35m passengers by 2032, base an additional 20 aircraft in Ireland ($2bn invest), and create thousands more jobs across Ireland, but we need Govt action on aviation and tourism.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said:

“Micheál Martin’s failure to scrap the cap 13 months after he promised to do – despite a majority of 20 seats – is an international joke. The time has passed for promises, cabinet discussions, heads of bills, or any more delay. It’s time for action! In Feb, the European Court of Justice will rule on Ireland’s illegal cap, which is in breach of Europe’s Charter on freedom of movement. This cap is also contrary to the EU – U.S open skies agreement. After 13 months of inaction,  Airlines 4 America has now made a complaint to the U.S DOT, calling for immediate action to force Ireland to scrap this illegal cap. None of this would be necessary, if our “do-nothing” Taoiseach and his “do-nothing” Govt had delivered their (Jan 2025) promise to scrap this cap as soon as possible.

The problem Ireland suffers is a “do-nothing” Taoiseach leading a “do-nothing” Govt. Micheál Martin prefers overseas trips rather than delivering real action on his Govt Program here at home. It’s time for Micheál Martin to scrap the cap, or quit. His failure to deliver, and that of his Govt, is indefensible and inexplicable.

The NAMA Legislation was passed within 24hours. Why can’t his Govt pass the Legislation to scrap this cap within 1 week or 1 month? He has a 20-seat majority, he’s had 13 months to pass this law, so he should get on with the job and allow the airlines – both Ryanair, and American – to continue to grow traffic, tourism, and economic wealth for Ireland. In 2025 Dublin Airport handled 36.4m pax, which is 4.2m more than the cap. This cap is not only illegal, but is completely outdated and irrelevant.  

It’s time for Micheál Martin to spend more time at home, delivering his Program for Govt (“scrap the cap”), and if necessary, send his Ministers overseas on junkets. If Micheál Martin spent more time at home, and less on his never-ending “worldwide tour”, then the illegal Dublin Airport cap would already be scrapped, and real reform on housing and infrastructure would be delivered as well.”

Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (Tues, 20 Jan) revealed that 2025 was its busiest-ever year in Slovakia, following the airlines record schedule and addition of a third based aircraft ($300m investment) at Bratislava, in response to the Govt’s decision to cut access costs.

In 2026, Ryanair will grow even further in Slovakia, delivering 2m passengers (+70%), supporting over 1,500 local jobs, and offering 33 routes, including 10 exciting new routes to Alicante, Athens, Barcelona, Lamezia, Malaga, Naples, Palermo, Pisa, Tirana & Warsaw, as well as increased frequencies on 8 other routes.

Ryanair Head of Comms for CEE & Baltics, Alicja Wójcik-Gołębiowska, said:

“As Europe’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce that 2025 was our busiest-ever year in Slovakia, following our addition of a third based aircraft ($300m invest) at Bratislava in response to the Govt’s decision to cut access costs. Ryanair’s record growth in Slovakia has been stimulated by Slovakia’s aviation growth policies, including lower ATC charges and zero enviro taxes, which give Slovak citizens/visitors even more low fare travel choices, while strengthening Bratislava’s position as a key aviation hub in Central Europe.

Ryanair is working closely with our Slovak partners to deliver another record year in 2026, which will see Ryanair’s traffic in Bratislava grow to 2m passengers, offering 10 new routes, and supporting over 1,500 local jobs, including 100 Ryanair jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers.”

Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (Tues, 20 Jan) revealed that 2025 was its busiest-ever year in Malta, following the airlines record schedule and addition of a ninth based aircraft ($900m investment) for the Winter season, growing traffic to 5.2m passengers (+15%) in 2025 and delivering even more choice and low fares for Maltese citizens/visitors.

Ryanair will continue to grow in Malta in 2026, with the airline due to launch its Summer 2026 schedule in the coming weeks.

Ryanair’s Director of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said:

“As Europe’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce that 2025 was our busiest-ever year in Malta, following our addition of a ninth based aircraft ($900m invest) from November and record schedule, growing Ryanair’s Malta traffic by 15% to 5.2m passengers in 2025 and delivering even more choice and low fares to Maltese citizens/visitors.”

$400M INVEST FACILITATES 20 NEW ROUTES & 50% GROWTH FOR S26

Ryanair, Albania’s only low-fare airline, today (Tues, 20 Jan) announced that it will base a 4^th B737-800 aircraft in Tirana for April 2026, (a $400m investment) and open 20 new routes including Alghero, Baden-Baden, Eindhoven, Genoa, Memmingen, Parma & Wroclaw in addition to the 23 existing routes for S26 (43 total), supporting over 3,000 jobs, incl. 120 new high-paid jobs for Ryanair pilots and cabin crew in Tirana.

This $400m Ryanair investment in growth at Tirana is a direct result of the Albanian Govt’s proactive policy to abolish aviation taxes and Tirana Airport’s successful growth incentive scheme. Ryanair will deliver 50% traffic growth in Tirana and 4m pax in 2026.

Ryanair’s Tirana S26 schedule will deliver:

• 4 based a/c – $400m invest.
• 43 routes, 20 new
• Traffic growth to 4m pax p.a. (+50% growth)
• Supp. over 3,000 jobs in Albania
• Unbeatable low-fare choice for Albanian citizens/visitors

Over the next 5 years, Ryanair will continue to invest in Albania, basing up to 6 B737 aircraft ($600m invest.) in Tirana, growing to over 6m passengers p.a., operating over 60 routes, supporting over 4,000 jobs by 2030, provided always that the Albanian Govt continues its zero aviation tax policy, and Tirana Airport maintains its low access costs via growth incentive schemes, to stimulate rapid traffic and tourism growth in Tirana.

To celebrate Ryanair’s 4^th based aircraft and 20 new routes to/from Tirana in S26 the airline has launched a 3-day seat sale with 100,000 seats on sale from just €29.99, available to book now via the Ryanair app.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said:

“As Albania’s only low-fare airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce a 4^th based aircraft in Tirana for S26, which will expand Ryanair’s market share in Albania with 43 routes for Summer 2026, including 20 exciting new routes to the likes of Alghero, Baden–Baden, Eindhoven, Genoa, Memmingen, Parma & Wroclaw, among others. This record Ryanair investment ($400m), record traffic growth of over 50% to 4m pax for Tirana, is a direct result of Albania’s proactive policy to abolish travel taxes, and the Airport’s lower costs, which are delivered by its successful growth incentive schemes.

20 New Routes S26
Alghero	Genoa	Pescara
Baden-Baden	Liverpool	Poznan
Birmingham	Malta	Trieste
Bratislava	Memmingen	Turin
Dublin	Milan M	Verona
Eindhoven	Naples	Wroclaw
Gdansk	Parma

Ryanair’s record 2026 growth at Tirana, offers Albania a unique opportunity to become Europe’s fastest growing air traffic & tourism market in 2026. Ryanair now plans to grow to over 6m passengers p.a. and base up to 6 a/c at Tirana in a $600m investment by 2030, which will deliver over 60 low-fare routes, provided always that Albania continues its zero aviation tax policy and Tirana maintains its current low access costs (via growth incentive schemes), to stimulate rapid growth in traffic, tourism, investment, and jobs in Albania.”

Tirana Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Piervittorio Farabbi, said :

“The early expansion of Ryanair’s base in Tirana is a powerful demonstration of the strength of our partnership and our shared ambition for sustainable growth. By combining Ryanair’s network and scale with Tirana International Airport’s rapidly expanding capacity driven by Kastrati Group’s strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and operational excellence we are unlocking new opportunities for tourism, business, and economic development across Albania and the wider region.”

10 TRAS, W TYM NOWOŚĆ – EDYNBURG NA LATO

Ryanair, linia lotnicza nr 1 w Europie i w Polsce, ogłosiła dziś swój rekordowy letni rozkład lotów z Rzeszowa, obejmujący aż 10 tras, w tym ekscytującą nowość – Edynburg, który po sukcesie zimowym pozostaje w siatce także latem. Pasażerowie z Podkarpacia będą mogli korzystać z jeszcze większej liczby kierunków, w tym z powrotu popularnych letnich tras do Malty i Zadaru, zapewniając idealne połączenie zarówno dla miłośników plaż, jak i miejskich atrakcji.

Letni rozkład lotów Ryanair z Rzeszowa obejmuje:

• 10 tras,
• Nowość na lato – Edynburg (przedłużenie zimowego połączenia),
• Powrót ulubionych kierunków: Malta i Zadar
• Wsparcie dla rozwoju turystyki i lokalnej gospodarki w Podkarpaciu.

Alicja Wójcik-Gołębiowska, Head of Comms Ryanair na region CEE & Baltics:

„Z ogromną satysfakcją ogłaszamy nasz rekordowy letni rozkład lotów z Rzeszowa, który przynosi aż 10 tras, w tym nowość – Edynburg, pozostający w siatce po sukcesie zimowym. Powracają także popularne kierunki, takie jak Malta
i Zadar, dzięki czemu mieszkańcy regionu zyskują jeszcze więcej możliwości podróżowania – od słonecznych plaż po najpiękniejsze miasta Europy. Rzeszów-Jasionka to dla nas ważny partner, a dzisiejsze ogłoszenie pokazuje, że Ryanair konsekwentnie rośnie i inwestuje w regionie.”

Bartosz Górski, Wiceprezes Zarządu Portu Lotniczego Rzeszów-Jasionka im. Rodziny Ulmów:

„Rekordowy letni rozkład lotów Ryanair to docenienie potencjału lotniska Rzeszów-Jasionka oraz potwierdzenie rosnącego naszego znaczenia na mapie europejskich połączeń. Tak szeroka oferta pozwala planować naszym pasażerom zarówno wakacyjne wyjazdy, city-breaki, jak i podróże biznesowe, a dla regionu stanowi istotny impuls dla rozwoju turystyki i gospodarki.”

Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today announced its Summer ’26 schedule for Pardubice, delivering more choice and value for Czech passengers with four amazing routes to Spain, underlining Ryanair’s strong commitment to regional growth.

Summer ’26 schedule for Pardubice will include:

• Malaga – continuing after a successful Winter launch, now available for Summer too
• Alicante
• Barcelona Girona
• Palma de Mallorca – returning after last summer’s popular debut

This expansion makes Pardubice’s Summer schedule the biggest yet, offering passengers in Eastern Czechia even more opportunities to enjoy Spain’s sunshine – whether for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural getaway, or to visit friends and family.

Seats for Ryanair’s Summer 2026 schedule from Pardubice are available now at Ryanair.com. Don’t miss out—book today at Europe’s No.1 airline.

Ryanair’s Head of Comms for CEE & Baltics, Alicja Wójcik-Gołębiowska, said:

“We are thrilled to announce our biggest-ever Summer schedule for Pardubice, featuring four fantastic routes to Spain. Following the success of our new Malaga route this winter, we’re delighted to keep it for summer, alongside Alicante, Barcelona Girona, and the return of Palma de Mallorca after its popular debut last year. Ryanair is proud to continue growing in regional Czechia, offering more choice, the lowest fares, and supporting tourism and local economies. We look forward to welcoming even more customers on board from Pardubice this summer.”

WHILE HUNGARY, ITALY, SLOVAKIA AND SWEDEN SCRAP TAXES, SILLY BELGIUM RAISES TAXES (5-FOLD!!) & LOSES TRAFFIC/JOBS

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, today (Wed, 14 Jan) revised its Brussels 2026 schedules by reducing the number of seats on offer at Charleroi by 1.1m in 2026, with a further planned 1.1m seat cuts in 2027, as Charleroi City Council announces plans for a €3 tax per pax departing Charleroi from April 2026, and the silly Belgium Govt announces a 5-fold increase in pax taxes from €2 in Jan 2025 to €10 in Jan 2027 (at a time when Mario Draghi is calling on Europe to be more competitive). These tax increases are silly when other EU countries including Sweden, Slovakia, Hungary, Italy and Albania, have abolished Aviation Taxes to grow traffic, tourism and jobs. Belgium’s tax rises will now send traffic and jobs to other, more competitive, EU countries.

Ryanair calls on Prime Minister De Wever to reverse these silly tax rises, which will damage Belgium’s competitiveness, and cost Belgium millions of passengers, thousands of flights, and thousands of jobs in tourism and support industries. While almost every other EU country is abolishing Aviation Taxes, it makes no sense for Belgium to increase pax taxes 5-fold, when these taxes have failed in every other EU State. Ryanair, which is Belgium’s largest airline, carrying 11.6m passengers to/from Belgium in 2025, will now cut this figure to (10.6m) in 2026 (if Charleroi Council goes ahead with its €3 tax plan) and will cut further to 9.6m passengers in 2027, if the Belgium Govt doesn’t reverse this idiotic 5-fold increase in pax taxes. The competitiveness of European Aviation is already being damaged by Europe’s mad ETS tax scheme, which taxes only intra-EU flights, while exempting all non-EU flights, and Belgian citizens/visitors cannot be asked to pay even more of these unfair and damaging taxes.

As many other European States have shown, taxing air travel loses traffic, routes and jobs. If the Belgium economy really wants to grow, then the Govt needs to scrap these silly travel taxes, and allow low-fare airlines – led by Ryanair – to return to growth in Zaventem and in Charleroi, instead of cutting over 2m seats, which is what we now plan to do over the next 2 years.

Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said:

“Only the Belgium Govt could be so silly to raise Aviation Taxes five-fold, at a time when Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Albania are abolishing their Aviation Taxes. These taxes have failed, and have damaged air travel and tourism in many EU countries, which is why they are being scrapped. In Belgium however, the De Wever Govt seems determined to fail, while others are succeeding. Having enjoyed Ryanair’s low fare growth at Charleroi and Zaventem Airport over the last 20 years, the Govt has now decided to raise aviation Taxes (by 5-fold!!) at a time, when almost all other EU States are abolishing them.

What these silly politicians don’t understand is that aircraft and passengers are mobile. If Belgium wants to tax passengers, then they simply switch to lower cost, non-tax, destinations, like Sweden, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia and Albania. Belgium’s loss will be to the gain of these lower cost, tax-cutting States.

When the Draghi Report has called on Europe to become more competitive, the De Wever Govt seems determined to make Belgium even less competitive. Raising taxes will deliver fewer flights, less passengers, less tourism, and cost thousands of jobs at both, Zaventem and Charleroi Airports. The solution to this challenge is easy: Scrap these damaging aviation taxes (as many other EU States have), and allow Ryanair to continue to grow, especially at Charleroi, where over the last 20 years, Ryanair has grown to be Belgium’s largest airline. This growth can easily be lost to tax abolishing countries like Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia and Italy, and if Charleroi and Belgium don’t reverse these taxes, then Ryanair will cut 1.1m pax in 2026 and another 1.1m in 2027, and we will keep cutting until Belgium’s silly Govt works out that taxing traffic is not the way to grow tourism/jobs, it simply sends them to other lower cost, zero-tax, competitor destinations elsewhere in Europe.”