Ryanair, the well-known low-cost carrier, recently unveiled its highly anticipated summer 2025 schedule for Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by regional UK travel and tourism amid the new labor government, the airline is forging ahead with plans to offer an impressive lineup of 19 routes for Belfast passengers. This comprehensive summer schedule includes a brand-new service to Kaunas, Lithuania, in addition to increased flights to sought-after summer destinations like Malaga, Alicante, and Malta.

In a press release dated February 26, 2024, Ryanair expressed its commitment to enhancing the travel options for its Northern Irish customer base, emphasizing the goal of providing them with more choices and seamless connections across Europe. Dan Owens, the CEO of Belfast International Airport, lauded the positive impact of Ryanair's presence, stating, "Since re-establishing operations at Belfast International Airport, Ryanair has significantly expanded the menu of routes available to local passengers." He further praised the addition of 19 routes for the upcoming summer season, including the exciting new connection to Kaunas, Lithuania, as a testament to the airline's ongoing dedication to enhancing travel opportunities.

Ryanair attributed its growth and success in Belfast to the deployment of two aircraft and a substantial $200 million investment, which has also facilitated the creation of over 1,000 local jobs. Despite these achievements, the airline pointed out the challenges faced by regional UK connectivity and tourism under the current labor government's policies. Dara Brady, Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer, expressed frustration over the government's decision to increase Air Passenger Duty (APD) taxes, stating that such moves hinder the airline's ability to expand further and create more opportunities, particularly at regional UK airports.

The airline highlighted the detrimental impact of rising APD taxes on consumers and the broader economy, urging Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to reconsider and abolish the tax promptly. Ryanair's strong stance against the APD tax underscores its belief that such measures impede tourism growth and economic prosperity, not only in the UK but also in the surrounding regions. Through its persistent advocacy for the elimination of this tax, Ryanair aims to spur immediate and vital growth across various sectors.

In conclusion, Ryanair's unwavering call for the abolition of APD taxes reflects its commitment to fostering travel accessibility and stimulating economic development within the UK and beyond. As the dynamic landscape of the aviation industry continues to evolve, the airline remains dedicated to advocating for policies that enable sustainable growth and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.