Ryanair Announces Record Summer 2026 Operation in Calabria, Driven by Policy Changes

Ryanair, Europe and Italy’s largest airline, has unveiled its largest-ever summer operation for Calabria, building on significant investment spurred by the abolition of the municipal surcharge by the President of the Calabria Region, Roberto Occhiuto. The expansion aims to boost employment, tourism and year-round connectivity within the region.

Record Investment and Passenger Growth

The summer 2026 operation will observe Ryanair base four aircraft in Calabria – two in Lamezia Terme and two in Reggio Calabria – representing a total investment of $400 million. The airline projects 3.2 million passengers annually, a 14% increase, traveling through Lamezia, Reggio, and Crotone airports. A total of 42 routes will be offered, including five novel destinations from Lamezia to Bratislava, Budapest, Saarbrücken, Sofia, and Warsaw.

Increased Frequencies and Connectivity

Beyond the new routes, Ryanair will increase frequencies on existing domestic connections. Flights from Reggio Calabria will see increased service to Milan Malpensa, Turin, and Venice. From Crotone, more frequent flights will be available to Milan Bergamo and Bologna.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Ryanair’s expansion is expected to support over 2,500 local jobs, including 120 highly skilled positions within the aviation industry. This growth contributes to the economic and tourism development of Calabria, enhancing connectivity throughout the year and offering competitive fares to both citizens and visitors.

The Impact of Policy Changes

The airline credits President Occhiuto’s decision to abolish the municipal surcharge in August 2024 as a key driver of this growth. Following the elimination of the tax, Ryanair increased capacity by 1.6 million seats (an 82% increase), opened a new base in Reggio Calabria, added three aircraft (bringing the total to four), introduced over 20 new routes, and invested €15 million in a new maintenance hub. This hub is projected to support 300 new jobs in the aviation sector at full capacity.

Ryanair contrasts Calabria’s success with the continued challenges faced by other Italian airports due to the persistence of the municipal surcharge. The airline specifically cited limitations at Rome’s Ciampino airport, including flight restrictions and higher taxes, as hindering growth and domestic connectivity.

Call for National Policy Change

Ryanair is renewing its call for the national abolition of the municipal surcharge, arguing that it would unlock further growth potential. The airline estimates that eliminating the tax nationwide could lead to an additional 20 million passengers annually, the basing of 40 more aircraft (representing a $4 billion investment), the creation of 15,000 new jobs, and the introduction of over 250 new routes, benefiting tourism, investment, and employment across all Italian regions.

Promotional Fares Available

To celebrate the launch of its record-breaking summer 2026 schedule in Calabria, Ryanair is offering promotional fares starting from €29.99, available for booking through the Ryanair app, subject to availability.

Fabrizio Francioni, Head of Communications Italy Ryanair, stated, “As the No.1 airline in Europe and Italy, Ryanair is pleased to announce a record summer operation in Calabria, with 4 aircraft based ($400 million investment), 42 routes including 5 new from Lamezia, and increased frequencies on domestic connections from Reggio and Crotone. This growth will allow us to reach 3.2 million passengers per year (+14%), support over 2,500 jobs and boost tourism and connectivity in Calabria at the lowest fares in Europe. Thanks to President Occhiuto’s decision to abolish the municipal surtax, Ryanair has already made important investments in Calabria. Now we invite the Italian Government to follow the example of Calabria and eliminate this tax at a national level, so that Ryanair can guarantee even more transformative growth, with the addition of 40 aircraft (+4 billion dollars), 20 million more passengers, 250 new routes and 15,000 new jobs throughout Italy.”