Ryanair soars to new heights with 6 million passengers at Belfast International Airport

Ryanair, Europe’s leading low-cost airline, has reached a significant milestone, having carried over 6 million passengers through Belfast International Airport since launching operations there in 2016.

This achievement underscores the airline’s substantial contribution to Northern Ireland’s connectivity, tourism, and economy, bolstered by a £200 million investment in the region.

The milestone was announced today in Dublin, with Ryanair highlighting its robust operations at Belfast International, which include 176 weekly flights across 19 routes, including a newly introduced service to Kaunas, Lithuania.

The airline’s two Belfast-based aircraft support over 1,000 local jobs, reinforcing its commitment to economic growth in Northern Ireland.

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

“We’re pleased to announce that Ryanair has carried over 6 million passengers through Belfast International Airport since we began operations back in 2016. This significant milestone showcases Ryanair’s continued support and investment for Belfast, delivering important connectivity, traffic, tourism, jobs, and economic growth for Northern Ireland.”

The airline’s extensive schedule offers Northern Irish travellers affordable access to destinations across Europe, with popular routes including Alicante, Krakow, and the newly launched Kaunas service. This expansion has made Belfast International a key hub for low-cost travel, catering to both residents and visitors seeking cost-effective and convenient flights.

However, Ryanair expressed concerns about the UK’s Air Passenger Duty (APD) tax, which it claims hampers further growth. Kirwan added:

“While Ryanair has grown significantly at Belfast over the years, we could be growing more rapidly at Belfast and the wider UK, but Rachel Reeves’ bizarre decision to raise APD taxes by £2 per passenger damages these growth prospects.”

She urged the UK Government to abolish the tax, arguing that it makes the UK less competitive compared to EU countries like Sweden and Hungary, which have eliminated similar aviation taxes to boost tourism and job creation.

Belfast International Airport’s CEO, Dan Owens, echoed the celebratory sentiment, emphasising the strength of the partnership with Ryanair.

“We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone with Ryanair, marking 6 million passengers flown from Belfast International Airport,” Owens said.

“This achievement reflects the strength of our partnership and the growing demand for affordable, accessible travel from Northern Ireland. Ryanair continues to play a vital role in connecting Belfast to key destinations across Europe, and we look forward to building on this success together.”

The milestone comes as Ryanair continues to expand its footprint in Belfast, offering unmatched choice and low fares. The airline’s investment and operations have not only facilitated travel but also driven economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism.

With its commitment to further growth, Ryanair aims to carry millions more passengers through Belfast in the years ahead, provided barriers like the APD tax are addressed.

As Northern Ireland’s tourism and business sectors continue to benefit from enhanced connectivity, Ryanair’s milestone serves as a testament to the power of affordable aviation in fostering economic and cultural exchange. The airline’s focus on low fares and extensive routes ensures Belfast remains a vibrant gateway to Europe and beyond.

For more information on Ryanair’s Belfast routes or to book flights, visit Ryanair’s official website. For details on Belfast International Airport’s services, visit their official site.