Ryanair Launches Extensive Winter Flight Schedule with Thirty New European Routes and Key Base Expansion Across Poland and Italy

Ryanair has announced its Winter 2026/2027 flight schedule, introducing over 30 new routes across Europe and North Africa. The expansion features network growth in Poland, Slovakia, and Italy, alongside the establishment of new bases in Tirana, Rabat, and Trapani-Marsala.

Large-Scale Warsaw and Bratislava Network Growth

The Irish low-cost carrier is expanding its flight network in Central Europe for the Winter 2026/2027 season. Warsaw is the largest expansion point, receiving 12 new routes across the Polish capital's two commercial airports. Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) will add five routes, including direct connections to Bratislava (BTS) and Bristol (BRS), while Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) adds seven routes primarily targeting Italian leisure destinations.

Bratislava Airport in Slovakia is also expanding its international connectivity, supported by a based fleet of four aircraft. The airport will introduce four new routes, including a twice-weekly service to Turin, Italy, starting October 26, 2026. Additionally, routes to Tirana, Albania, and Paphos, Cyprus, will transition into year-round winter operations to meet sustained traveler demand.

Italian Regional Expansion and New Bases

Italy remains a primary area of network growth, particularly across the Emilia-Romagna region. Following the removal of local aviation taxes, the carrier is adding international flights from smaller regional airports. Parma Airport will introduce routes to Tirana, Reggio Calabria, and London Stansted, while Rimini Airport adds four routes linking Catania, Wroclaw, Manchester, and Cologne.

The carrier has also opened several new bases to support international flight rotations. The Tirana base in Albania launched with four based aircraft and 44 routes, representing a major regional expansion. In North Africa, Rabat became the airline's fifth Moroccan base with two based aircraft and 20 routes, while Trapani-Marsala became its twentieth base in Italy with two based aircraft and 23 routes.

Strategic Closures in Berlin and Thessaloniki

Berlin Base Closure: The airline will close its seven-aircraft base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) on October 24, 2026, due to high operating costs and airport fees.
Thessaloniki Base Closure: The three-aircraft base in Greece will close for the Winter 2026 season in response to rising local aviation taxes.
Operational Redirection: Aircraft and crew resources from the closed bases are being redirected to markets with lower operating costs and higher yield potential.
Route Retaining: While bases are closing, select flights to these destinations will continue using aircraft based at other network airports.

Traveler Logistics and Connection Guide

Passengers booking flights under the winter schedule should review check-in and baggage rules. Carry-on luggage must comply with strict dimensions, which can be verified on the Ryanair official website. For flights to non-Schengen destinations like Albania or Morocco, travelers must check entry declarations via the Albania Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs or the Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Flight statuses and gate assignments can be checked on the Warsaw Modlin Airport site or the Bratislava Airport portal. Because the carrier operates on a point-to-point model, passengers booking self-connecting itineraries must collect their luggage and check in again for subsequent flights. Allowing a transfer buffer of at least three hours is recommended when planning self-connections.

Infrastructure Impact Assessment

The expansion of flights to secondary and regional airports provides these gateways with direct international visibility. This model encourages tourism outside major metropolitan capitals, supporting local hospitality and transport sectors in regional Europe. By connecting regional destinations with winter sun spots, the carrier aims to stimulate off-season leisure travel.

However, the closure of bases in Berlin and Thessaloniki highlights the sensitivity of low-cost carriers to local aviation taxes and fees. When operating costs rise, carriers can quickly relocate aircraft to more profitable markets. This operational flexibility remains a core component of the low-cost aviation business model, shaping regional connectivity across Europe.

New Operational Bases Overview

Operational Base	Location Country	Based Aircraft	Routes Supported	Launch Date
Trapani-Marsala (TPS)	Italy	2 Aircraft	23 Routes	January 2026
Tirana (TIA)	Albania	4 Aircraft	44 Routes	March 31, 2026
Rabat (RBA)	Morocco	2 Aircraft	20 Routes	April 2026

Key Takeaways

Winter Expansion: Ryanair's Winter 2026/2027 schedule adds over 30 new routes across Europe and North Africa.
Warsaw Hub Growth: Warsaw receives 12 new routes, split between Modlin and Chopin airports.
Base Openings: New bases have opened in Tirana, Rabat, and Trapani-Marsala to support expanded route networks.
Strategic Closures: Bases in Berlin and Thessaloniki will close due to high operating costs and local airport taxes.

FAQ

When will the new Winter 2026/2027 flight routes begin operating?
The majority of the new routes are scheduled to launch in late October 2026 with the start of the winter timetable.

Why is Ryanair closing its bases in Berlin and Thessaloniki?
The base closures are due to high operating costs, passenger fees, and local airport taxes that make operations less competitive.

Can I book a connecting flight through Modlin Airport on a single ticket?
No. Ryanair operates on a point-to-point basis, meaning passengers must book and manage connecting flights independently.