The low cost airline Ryanair is set to bolster its presence at Malaga Airport, increasing its fleet from 13 to 16 planes ahead of the upcoming high season in 2024. This move underscores the airline’s confidence in the Costa del Sol as a pivotal hub, facilitating connections to 89 destinations across Europe and northern Africa.
Elena Cabrera, the airline’s marketing director for airports in Spain and Portugal, emphasized the significance of Malaga Airport, stating, “Malaga is a strategic stronghold for our operations. The expansion to accommodate three additional aircraft reflects our strong performance and commitment to the region.”
This expansion aligns with Ryanair’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity and meet escalating passenger demand. Over the past three years, the airline has not witnessed such substantial growth at any other location, highlighting the importance of Malaga in its network.
The surge in capacity translates to a 19% increase in available seats for flights to and from the Costa del Sol, facilitating smoother travel experiences for an estimated 5.3 million passengers expected to fly with Ryanair during the summer season. Notably, Ryanair’s operations at Malaga Airport account for three out of every ten passengers passing through its terminals, underscoring its pivotal role in the region’s aviation landscape.
Adding to the excitement, five new direct routes have been unveiled for the upcoming high season, catering to diverse travel preferences. These routes include the Italian city of Bari, the capitals of Romania and the Czech Republic (Bucharest and Prague, respectively), the central Polish city of Lodz, and Ostrava, an industrial hub in the Czech Republic.
Cabrera highlighted the airline’s strategic focus on Eastern markets, citing significant growth opportunities and increased frequencies to destinations such as Poland and Bulgaria. The expansion is not only set to enhance connectivity but also to bolster the local economy, with the addition of 90 new jobs, bringing Ryanair’s total workforce at Malaga Airport to 500 professionals.
To celebrate the announcement, Ryanair has launched a special three-day seat offer, with fares starting from just £21.99, available exclusively on ryanair.com. This initiative aims to further incentivize travel and encourage passengers to explore the extensive array of destinations accessible from Malaga Airport through Ryanair’s expanded services.