RYANAIR is launching eight new European routes from theUK, giving it a 41-destination network.
New Stansted services start in June and July to Hamburg, Malmo, Nimes, Perpignan, Brescia, Lamezia in southern Italy and Alghero in Sardinia. A new Glasgow Prestwick-Frankfurt flight starts on March 26.
The 41 services will put Ryanair’s European network just behind the world’s biggest low-cost carrier, US-based Southwest Airlines, in terms of destinations offered.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary said British Airways’ decision to offer fewer economy seats will help Ryanair fill the additional capacity. “BA wants to charge higher air fares and offer fewer seats to economy passengers,” he said.
O’Leary said he has agreements to enter new markets, including Spain and Portugal, next year and will launch internal mainland European services.