Ryanair Expands Routes in Emilia-Romagna Following Tax Cut

Ryanair has announced 20 latest routes from the airports of Forlì, Parma, and Rimini following the Emilia-Romagna Region’s decision to eliminate the municipal surcharge on smaller airports. The airline estimates the expansion will support 660,000 additional passengers annually, a 50% increase over its current regional presence, which primarily operates from Bologna.

New Route Details

The new routes, launching next summer, include:

• Forlì: Two new routes to Cagliari and London Stansted, bringing the total to three routes.
• Parma: Three new routes to Tirana, Reggio Calabria, and London Stansted, expanding the airport’s offerings to five routes.
• Rimini: Four new routes to Breslavia, Manchester, Cologne, and Catania, increasing the total to twelve routes.

Regional Tax Cut and its Impact

The abolition of the municipal surcharge, applicable to airports handling fewer than 700,000 passengers per year, was a key request from the President of Emilia-Romagna, Michele de Pascale. This measure was approved by the Italian government as part of the latest budget law, thanks to an amendment proposed by regional parliamentarians from both the majority and opposition parties. The region joins Abruzzo, Calabria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Sicily in eliminating the tax to stimulate growth in air traffic, tourism, and employment.

Ryanair’s Expansion Plans and Investment

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson stated the decision by the Emilia-Romagna Region was a direct catalyst for this record operational expansion. Ryanair estimates that abolishing the tax across all Italian airports could lead to the addition of 40 aircraft based in Italy, a $4 billion investment, 20 million additional passengers annually, 250 new routes, and the creation of 15,000 jobs.

Concerns from Bologna Airport

The decision to reduce taxes for smaller airports has drawn criticism from Nazareno Ventola, CEO of Bologna Airport, who expressed concerns that the measure distorts the air transport market in the region and could negatively impact investments, and employment.

Ryanair’s Broader European Campaign

Ryanair has been actively campaigning across Europe to reduce airport taxes, which it considers “regressive” and detrimental to ticket prices. The airline has taken action in several countries, including Spain, Germany, and France, reducing seat offerings and cancelling routes in response to what it deems excessive and non-competitive airport tariffs.