The budget carrier Ryanair is executing a clear pivot away from high-cost markets in Germany, Spain and Austria. Rising taxes and airport charges in those regions have pushed the airline to target countries with lower operational expenses, more favourable aviation policies and stronger tourism growth potential.
Ryanair believes this shift will allow it to maintain profitability, boost passenger numbers and tap into emerging leisure travel demand. Instead of competing in saturated, expensive hubs, the airline is building presence in places where air access costs are significantly lower.
Albania: A New Base for Growth
In Albania, the move is bold and game-changing. From April 2026, Ryanair will launch a new base at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (Tirana, Albania). The plan includes three Boeing 737-800 aircraft and ten brand-new routes to cities such as Birmingham, Dublin, Milan and Malta. In its first year, Ryanair expects to serve over 4 million passengers and generate more than 3,000 jobs in Albania.
This investment comes with strong backing from Albania’s aviation authorities and airport operators. The low-tax environment and incentives for air-traffic growth make this region especially attractive to Ryanair’s growth strategy.
Why this matters for tourism
- More direct flights mean stronger inbound tourism to Albania’s coast, capital and countryside.
- Lower fares and increased seat capacity make Albania more accessible to European travellers.
- Jobs in airport operations, tourism and services will likely get a boost from Ryanair’s base.
Sicily: Trapani Market Opens Up
The airline is also setting up a new base at Trapani–Marsala Airport (western Sicily), beginning January 2026. This becomes Ryanair’s third Sicilian base and its 20th in Italy. The move follows the Sicilian regional government’s decision to scrap the municipal tax at smaller airports, lowering entry costs for airlines and making the location more competitive for tourism.
Ryanair’s plans include two new aircraft, 23 routes (including 11 brand-new ones) and more than 1 million passengers annually. With this expansion the company aims to strengthen Sicily’s year-round connectivity and attract more inbound tourists.
Tourism benefits in Sicily
- Direct routes from major European markets increase visitor flow to the island.
- Reduced cost base allows Ryanair to offer lower fares, stimulating travel demand.
- Regional tourism and hospitality sectors stand to gain from increased flights and access.
Broader Impact and Growth Outlook
Ryanair’s financial performance supports this strategic shift. The airline recently reported strong profits, enabled by increased fares, expanded passenger numbers and cost-efficient operations. At the same time, it acknowledges capacity constraints across Europe due to aircraft delivery delays and air-traffic control system challenges.
By redirecting growth toward markets with favourable conditions — like Albania and Sicily — Ryanair hopes to sidestep some of the structural headwinds seen in more mature, expensive markets. Providers of tourism services in these regions can expect long-term gains if airline growth translates into visitor growth.
What It Means for Travellers and Destinations
For travellers, the expansion signals more choice and better value. Lower-cost tickets to lesser-served locations open up new holiday destinations. For destinations such as Tirana and Trapani, the arrival of Ryanair brings more flight options and likely increased tourist footfall.
For local tourism industries, this translates into opportunities: expanded hotel occupancy, more tours and activities, and stronger year-round seasonality. Governments and airport authorities in these regions gain momentum from supporting aviation-friendly policies and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Ryanair is moving away from high-cost European markets and focusing on regions with lower fees and taxes.
- A major new base in Tirana (Albania) will open in April 2026 with three aircraft and multiple new routes.
- The Trapani base in Sicily, launching in January 2026, adds 23 routes and over a million annual passengers.
- These expansions cater to tourism growth, low-fare travel demand and regional economic development.
- Destinations, travellers and tourism sectors all stand to benefit if execution meets plan.
With this strategic redeployment, Ryanair is not just expanding its network — it is realigning its business model. By prioritising cost-efficient markets with strong tourism potential, the airline sets a new course for growth. Destinations like Albania and Sicily are poised to become low-fare travel hubs, benefiting from increased connectivity and economic uplift.
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