Ryanair Plans Major Growth in Hungary
Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is set to undergo a significant expansion in Hungary, with plans to increase its presence in Budapest, Debrecen, and even add Lake Balaton to its route network in the coming years. This expansion was reported by World Economy.
During a press conference held in Budapest on Tuesday, Ryanair’s commercial director, Jason McGuinness, stated that the airline is expecting a record-breaking summer season in 2025. The airline plans to connect Budapest with 68 destinations during the summer season, offering over 640 flights.
As part of this expansion, Ryanair will introduce four new destinations to its route network:
– Castellón (Spain)
– Katowice (Poland)
– Liverpool (England)
– Toulouse (France)
These new destinations will be available at a discounted price of HUF 7,919 (EUR 19.72) until the end of May on the company’s website.
The growth in operations is attributed to the Hungarian government’s decision to abolish the extra profit tax on airlines. This has enabled Ryanair to invest around USD 1 billion in expanding its Budapest base, where ten aircraft, including two Boeing 737 8-200s, will be stationed. This development is expected to indirectly generate 4,200 jobs and increase passenger numbers on routes to Budapest by 13 percent, totaling 5.6 million passengers.
Looking ahead, Ryanair plans to invest a further EUR 1.6 billion in Hungary over the next five years, flying nine million passengers annually to and from the country. The airline’s long-term plans also include the inclusion of Debrecen and Lake Balaton in its service by 2030, at the latest.
These ambitious expansion plans have the potential to become a reality, as market analysts predict a supportive environment for the airline in 2025. With the potential for 15 percent growth in Ryanair shares, the company is expected to benefit from expanding capacity and rising passenger traffic.
Overall, Ryanair’s plans for expansion in Hungary signify a significant investment in the country’s aviation sector and are poised to create economic opportunities and growth in multiple regions.
