Ryanair has confirmed that they will begin operations at Norwich Airport for the first time, offering 12 flights a week to and from Malta, Alicante, and Faro starting on April 1. The new routes will bring more than 60,000 additional passengers to the airport and will create new jobs, boosting the number of people employed at the airport by around a quarter. Return tickets to Alicante are currently available from £29.99, providing budget-friendly options for passengers who have been paying high fares with other carriers.
The budget airline’s head of communication, Jade Kirwan, stated that the new operation at Norwich Airport will bring competitive fares and a wider selection of summer routes to customers in Norwich and the wider Norfolk region. In addition to providing affordable options for passengers, Ryanair’s arrival at the airport will support regional development through increased connectivity, inbound tourism, and job creation. The new routes will begin operating from April 2024, with flights to 18 destinations in nine countries currently operated at Norwich Airport, as well as connections to 150 more locations via Amsterdam.
While journeys to Malta and Alicante were previously available with KLM and Flybe, services were canceled shortly before the Covid pandemic. The airport has seen a return to around 80% of pre-Covid passenger levels, and the arrival of Ryanair is expected to push that up to 90%. Norwich Airport’s managing director, Richard Pace, noted that Alicante, Faro, and Malta are popular destinations, and the addition of twice-weekly flights to these locations will give passengers even more great choices from their local airport. Overall, the introduction of these new routes and the increased number of flights is expected to have a positive impact on the airport and the local region.
In conclusion, the addition of Ryanair’s operations at Norwich Airport will provide budget-friendly flight options and new job opportunities, along with increased connectivity, inbound tourism, and regional development. The new routes and increased flight frequency are expected to bring more than 60,000 additional passengers to the airport and push passenger numbers up to 90% of pre-Covid levels. This expansion of the airport’s offerings will provide passengers with more choices for summer travel and further contribute to the growth and development of the region.
