Ryanair has unveiled its winter 2024 schedule for Bristol Airport, with 30 routes on offer, including five new winter sun and city break destinations. The additional routes will connect passengers to Copenhagen, Fuerteventura, Marrakesh, Prague, and Tirana. The budget airline currently operates over 640 routes across the UK, and this expansion comes alongside a call for the new UK Government to eliminate air passenger duty (APD).
The airline highlighted that the decision to expand into Bristol this summer was driven by high demand for the airport and the availability of aircraft there. However, the expansion is primarily aimed at restoring operations to pre-Covid levels rather than exceeding them. Ryanair’s head of communications, Jade Kirwan, expressed the company’s satisfaction in introducing these new routes, offering customers in the southwest a wider selection of destinations at competitive prices.
Regarding the APD, Kirwan emphasised its impact on air travel, particularly in regions where tourism growth is hindered by this tax. Ryanair argued that abolishing the APD in the UK would result in significant benefits for the airline and the local economy. The potential outcomes include substantial traffic growth, the creation of new jobs, increased investment in aircraft, and a boost in passenger numbers.
Ryanair’s advocacy for scrapping the APD aligns with its strategy in other European countries like Italy and Sweden, where similar tax reforms led to increased traffic, investments, and job opportunities. The airline is optimistic about the potential for growth in the UK aviation sector if regulatory changes are implemented to make air travel more competitive and accessible.
In conclusion, Ryanair’s announcement of new routes from Bristol Airport signals a positive step towards recovery and growth in the aviation industry. The introduction of diverse destinations and competitive fares not only benefits passengers but also demonstrates the airline’s commitment to expanding its network and contributing to the regional economy.