Else Beekman
Ryanair, the airline currently at loggerheads with Spanish airport operator Aena, has unveiled its ambitious summer schedule for 2025 at Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Travellers can look forward to five new destinations, bringing the total number of routes to an impressive 91.
Starting from the last Sunday in March 2025, Ryanair will introduce direct flights from Malaga to:
- Brno, Czech Republic: Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the Czech Republic’s second-largest city.
- Lübeck, Germany: Known for its medieval architecture and maritime heritage, Lübeck offers a unique German experience.
- Münster, Germany: A city blending historical charm with modern flair, Münster is a new addition to Ryanair’s network.
- Teesside, England: Located in North East England, Teesside provides access to both urban attractions and scenic landscapes.
- Warsaw, Poland: Poland’s capital city, Warsaw, is now within easy reach, offering a mix of historical sites and contemporary attractions.
These additions aim to cater to the increasing demand from both leisure and business travellers seeking diverse European destinations.
Significant investment and economic impact
To support this expanded schedule, Ryanair will base 18 aircraft at Malaga Airport during the summer season. This commitment represents an investment of approximately $1.8 billion (around €1.745 billion). Furthermore, it is expected to support over 4,500 local jobs.
Celebratory fare offers
In celebration of the new summer schedule, Europe’s leading low-cost airline, has launched a special promotion with fares starting from €21.99. This offer is available for travel until the end of June 2025, with bookings open until 13th February 2025. Travellers are encouraged to visit Ryanair’s official website to take advantage of these limited-time deals.
Record-breaking passenger numbers at Malaga Airport
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport continues to experience remarkable growth. In 2024, the airport handled nearly 25 million passengers, marking an 11.5% increase compared to the previous year, with operations totalling 174,915—an increase of 8.2%. These figures translate to a daily average of 68,284 passengers and 479 flights.
Addressing infrastructure and policy challenges
Despite the positive developments, Ryanair has expressed concerns regarding the operational environment in Spain. The airline has criticised Aena’s policies, particularly the “excessive charges” and “ineffective incentive plans,” which they claim hinder growth at regional airports. As a result, the low-cost carrier threatened to cut 12 routes and 80.000 seats in Spain for the summer of 2025.
Additionally, Ryanair has highlighted issues with Spain’s consumer affairs ministry, alleging non-compliance with EU regulations concerning hand luggage policies. Therefore, the company has warned that Spanish passengers may face higher fares if the Spanish government does not withdraw a recently imposed fine. The airline’s announcement escalates tensions with the government, while the European Commission is investigating the matter.