TIRANA, Aug 14, 2025 – Ryanair is seeing continued strong demand for travel, with bookings currently about 1% ahead of the same point last year, according to CEO Michael O’Leary. The airline remains optimistic about meeting its summer targets, with fares holding up despite challenges in the broader economic environment.
In an interview on Thursday, O’Leary confirmed that the airline was “reasonably optimistic” about hitting its key summer targets, buoyed by a steady stream of bookings during the peak months. He noted that bookings were in line with expectations and that average fares were expected to recover almost entirely from the 7% dip experienced during the July-September quarter of the previous year.
Ryanair was affected last year by consumer caution and a dispute with certain online travel agents, but O’Leary believes the current season is on track for a more successful outcome. He added that despite ongoing heatwaves, there had been no significant shift in consumer travel behavior. However, he warned that U.S. tariffs could pose a drag on global growth, urging caution in future forecasts.
Boeing Delivers Earlier, Helping Ryanair’s Expansion Plans
In a notable development, O’Leary praised Boeing for agreeing to deliver some of Ryanair’s new 737 MAX jets ahead of schedule, ending a string of delays that had previously impacted the airline’s growth. Ryanair had been waiting for the final 29 aircraft of its current 737 MAX order, and Boeing is now set to deliver seven jets in August and seven more in September.
“Boeing are doing a terrific job,” O’Leary said, highlighting that the early deliveries would allow Ryanair to maintain its growth trajectory.
Expansion in Albania and Sweden
Ryanair also announced plans to double its capacity at Tirana International Airport in Albania, where it will base three aircraft starting next April. The expansion will allow Ryanair to increase its passenger capacity to four million per year. O’Leary described Albania as a “hidden jewel of the Adriatic,” noting that the country’s tourism potential was untapped.
The airline is also making significant moves in Sweden, where it plans to boost its capacity by 25% for the winter season. This will include adding eight new routes, after Sweden scrapped its aviation tax last month. O’Leary pointed out that the change in policy could pressure local competitors like SAS and Norwegian Air.
Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, suggested that Sweden should consider freezing airport charges and providing further incentives to help boost the airline’s growth in the country. “The market is well capable of growing significantly here over the next number of years,” Brady said, expressing optimism for the airline’s future in Sweden.
As Ryanair continues to expand its routes and fleet, its strong bookings and strategic growth initiatives indicate that the airline is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge in Europe’s highly competitive airline industry.
About the Author
