Budget carrier Ryanair has announced a significant milestone after carrying more than 30 million passengers through Bristol Airport. The airline launched its first flights from the South West city in 1998 and later established a base at the transport hub.
Investment and Job Creation
Ryanair currently has five B737 aircraft based at Bristol, representing a $500 million investment that supports over 1,400 local jobs. This summer, the airline is operating its largest-ever schedule from the airport, with more than 330 weekly flights across 36 routes.
New Routes and Destinations
Among the routes is a new service to Bari, Italy. Ryanair also flies to popular sun destinations such as Malaga, Tenerife, and Venice, as well as cities including Budapest, Krakow, and Madrid.
Jade Kirwan of Ryanair commented: "This significant milestone showcases Ryanair’s continued investment and growth in the region – including our five-aircraft base – delivering important low-fare connectivity, traffic, tourism, jobs, and economic growth."
Bristol Airport’s chief executive, Dave Lees, who announced his departure in April, added: "30 million Ryanair passengers travelling through Bristol Airport is a brilliant milestone and testament to our long-standing partnership of more than 25 years, offering routes that people in the South West and Wales enjoy travelling to, as well as connecting many families and friends in Ireland with relatives in the region."
Fuel Crisis Preparedness
Last month, Ryanair stated it is better positioned than its European rivals to handle the looming jet fuel crisis. The Dublin-based company revealed that 80 per cent of its jet fuel requirements for the year ahead are locked in at $67 per barrel, while current market prices often exceed $100.
The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict has pushed global jet fuel shipments to their lowest level on record, potentially forcing the cancellation of thousands of summer flights. However, Ryanair maintains that Europe "remains well supplied" via routes through West Africa, the Americas, and Norway. Despite this, boss Michael O'Leary admitted the situation has "created economic uncertainty."
