Ryanair is setting its sights on doubling its operations in the rapidly expanding Polish market and broadening its reach across Eastern Europe over the next ten years, according to company executives. This move is set to intensify competition with rival budget airline Wizz Air. Ryanair, known for its low fares that have allowed it to dominate markets in Ireland, Italy, and much of Western Europe, plans to strengthen its presence at Eastern European airports.
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CEO Michael O’Leary revealed to Reuters that Ryanair already operates from over a dozen Polish airports, including nine bases, often securing special deals for lower fees - a key factor in maintaining low costs and fares. He cited Albania as an example of their strategy, where Ryanair plans to launch 25 new routes this winter to compete with Wizz Air in Eastern Europe.
However, Hungary-based Wizz Air is not standing idle. CEO Jozsef Varadi told Reuters that the airline plans to operate at least double the number of planes it currently has in Central and Eastern Europe by 2038, including announcing 35 new aircraft in Poland alone. The rising disposable incomes in Poland, the largest country in emerging Europe with nearly 40 million people, have increased the demand for travel. This makes the region an attractive prospect as Western European markets mature.
Ryanair's expansion strategy in Poland comes as it faces challenges in Italy and France, where regulators are seeking to impose minimum ticket prices to curb short-haul flights. In contrast, Poland and Eastern Europe's lighter regulatory requirements, lower environmental scrutiny, and poor rail connections make them appealing markets.
Both Ryanair and Wizz Air are planning their expansion with new planes. Ryanair is set to allocate a significant portion of a 300-plane order announced earlier this year to Poland and neighboring countries. O’Leary also stated that around 180 of the 400 new aircraft the company plans to deploy over the next eight years would operate in Central and Eastern Europe.
