Ryanair Lowers its Expectations for Passenger Numbers
As Europe's leading low-cost carrier, Ryanair has revised its passenger expectations for the upcoming year. Rather than reaching 215 million, the airline now anticipates serving close to 210 million customers by March 2026. This adjustment is primarily due to setbacks in Boeing's delivery schedule for the 737 Max aircraft. Originally, Boeing intended to supply 15 planes, but ongoing strikes and production difficulties have caused delays, pushing these deadlines back.
This past summer, Ryanair already adjusted its ticket prices in response to reduced demand and challenging economic factors. On average, fares decreased by about 10% compared to last year. Although the CEO of Ryanair indicates that ticket prices are now stabilizing, there remains a chance they could increase again in the near future. For travelers planning trips, this may mean fewer budget-friendly options during high-demand periods.
High interest rates and general economic strain also impact ticket prices, making consumers more cautious with their spending. Furthermore, some online travel agencies temporarily halted Ryanair ticket sales due to regulatory issues, though the majority of these partnerships have now resumed. This renewal allows Ryanair tickets to once again be conveniently accessible on popular booking platforms.
For travelers, this situation suggests that discounted fares may be available for the time being. However, delays in new aircraft deliveries could lead to adjustments in flight schedules and potentially fewer flights, especially during peak travel seasons like summer.