22 May 2026

Ryanair, over 800 routes from Italy and new travel opportunities for the summer

New destinations, updated app, more flexible baggage policy and more efficient aircraft: the interview with Fabrizio Francioni talks about the company's priorities for the summer season

With over 90 bases, a presence in more than 220 airports in 36 countries and a network that confirms Ryanair as one of the main players in European air transport, the company looks to Summer 2026 with a particular focus on the Italian market. In Italy, Ryanair has 20 operational bases, 32 airports served, 111 based aircraft and over 800 routes, with a significant impact also in terms of employment and territorial connectivity. Fabrizio Francioni, Head of Communications Italy at Ryanair, talks about the company's strategies, new destinations from Italy, digital services designed for passengers, baggage policy and investments for a more efficient fleet.

During Summer 2026, what will be the breadth of Ryanair's network in terms of countries served and total number of destinations?

"Ryanair presents itself at Summer 2026 with one of the most extensive networks in Europe: over 90 operational bases, a presence in more than 220 airports and connections in 36 countries. A widespread network that allows you to intercept all types of passengers, offering a wide choice of destinations at competitive rates. In fiscal year 2026, Ryanair carried approximately 208 million passengers, confirming its leading role in the European air transport market".

Fabrizio Francioni, Head of Communications Italy di Ryanair Copyright © Ryanair

The Italian market continues to play a central role for Ryanair. What are your operational bases in Italy today and which airports do you serve?

"Today the company has 20 operational bases in the country, with Trapani-Marsala as the latest opening, and serves a total of 32 Italian airports. Our presence is supported by 111 aircraft based, for an investment of 11 billion dollars, and a network of over 800 routes, which in 2026 will help transport 69 million passengers to and from Italy. These numbers confirm the central role of the Italian market in Ryanair's growth strategy and also generate a significant impact on the territories, supporting over 55 thousand jobs between direct and induced employment".

For Summer 2026, what are the new destinations that Ryanair will launch from Italy and from which airports?

"The main novelties of summer 2026 concern Emilia Romagna and Sicily. In these regions, the abolition of the municipal surcharge in the so-called small airports, i.e. in those with less than 5 million passengers per year in Sicily and less than 700 thousand in Emilia Romagna, has made it possible to unlock important investments: a new base has been opened in Trapani, with two based aircraft and 24 routes in total, including six new ones to/from Stockholm, Bournemouth, Bari, Lublin, Saarbrücken and Verona. In Emilia-Romagna there are three routes to Forlì, including two new routes to/from Cagliari and London Stansted, five to Parma, including three new routes to/from Tirana, Reggio Calabria and London Stansted, twelve to Rimini, including four new routes to/from Wroclaw, Manchester, Cologne and Catania. Not to mention the 7 new routes from Milan, to/from Lemnos (Greece), Pescara, Rabat, Edinburgh, Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Tirana and Warsaw, the two new routes from Turin, Sofia and Tirana, the five new routes to Lamezia from/to Bratislava, Budapest, Saarbrücken, Sofia and Warsaw, the three new routes to Bari from/to Bucharest, Bristol and Trapani-Marsala, the two nine routes to Pisa to/from Bratislava and Rabat, the new routes to Tirana from Pescara and Trieste, the three new routes to Venice from/to Budapest, Seville and Alicante, the two new routes to Verona from/to Tirana and Trapani-Marsala and the new route from Bologna to Castellón-Costa Azahar".

Aeromobile di Ryanair Copyright © Ryanair

What assistance and support services do you offer to passengers at different stages of the journey before departure, during and after the flight?

"In recent years we have worked the development of new digital features within our app, with the aim of making the travel experience increasingly simple, immediate and under the control of the passenger. This is especially important in situations of disruption, when quick updates and clear information can make all the difference. Among the most recent services is "order to seat", which allows you to order food and drinks directly from your phone and receive them first on board. In addition to this, there is "Live Flight Information", with real-time updates on boarding, gates and any delays, as well as live notifications sent by the Ryanair Operations Center in the event of disruptions. They are tools designed to accompany the passenger at every stage of the journey, from preparation for departure to the experience at the airport and on board".

For many passengers, the issue of luggage is a decisive aspect in the choice and organization of the trip: what are the key points of your policy today and how does it respond to the different needs of Travellers?

"In September last year, we completed the installation of larger hand luggage meters at airports across Europe where we operate. Thanks to this innovation, all Ryanair passengers can take with them, free of charge, a personal bag that is larger than (40 x 30 x 20 cm), 33% larger than the standard EU free hand luggage (40 x 30 x 15 cm). Our policy allows each passenger to bring 1 free carry-on bag on board, which can be placed under each passenger's seat. All passengers who wish to take a second bag with them into the cabin can do so by taking advantage of our priority boarding service and, if they wish, they can also choose to check in a checked bag, purchasing the service during the booking process".

What are the most recent main initiatives put in place by Ryanair on the sustainability front, in particular with regard to the reduction of CO₂ emissions?

"Our significant investments in new technologies, combined with ambitious SAF commitments, position Ryanair among the most environmentally efficient airlines in Europe. In fiscal year 2026, we received 34 new "Gamechanger" aircraft (with 4% more seats and a 16% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions), as well as 30 new LEAP 1B engines as a backup. We have also accelerated the installation of winglets on 75% of the B737NG fleet, resulting in a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and a 6% reduction in noise. Recognising these achievements, the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) recently upgraded Ryanair's climate rating to 'A' (from 'A-'), MSCI affirmed the Group's 'A' rating and Sustainalytics rated Ryanair as a 'low risk' company".

In an increasingly competitive context, what are the reasons that, from your point of view, make Ryanair an attractive choice for passengers and what distinctive elements strengthen its appeal among travellers?

"Ryanair continues to be an attractive choice for passengers thanks to the combination of competitive fares and one of the largest and most widespread networks in Europe. This widespread presence allows travellers to reach a wide variety of destinations, with frequent and accessible connections".

Interview by Angela Trivigno

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