Report by Louise Longman
RYANAIR will intensify competition on the European
market with its decision to use Belgium’s Charleroi Airport as its first base
on continental Europe.
The low-cost airline will initially house two aircraft
at Charleroi, Brussels, which was shortlisted against airports in Germany,
Italy and Sweden, but has options to base a total of four aircraft at its new
European hub.
The new base is likely to threaten Belgian airline
Sabena’s network, as well as low-cost carrier, Virgin Express, both of which
are based at Brussels’ main Zaventem airport.
Charleroi, which is approximately 30 miles south of
Brussels, is already used by Ryanair for flights to Dublin, and from the end of
April Ryanair will operate up to 30 flights each day to seven destinations in
England, Ireland, Italy, the south of France and Scotland.
One way fares start at £15 from Charleroi
to London Stansted, and £39 from Charleroi to Carcassonne.