Ryanair Holdings PLC has announced the opening of a new aircraft base in Rimini, Italy, marking a significant investment of $200 million. This expansion will create over 500 jobs and provide 600,000 low-fare seats across 17 routes, including five new destinations. The move is a strategic effort to enhance connectivity and tourism in the region, following the Emilia-Romagna government’s abolition of the Municipal Tax.

As Europe and Italy's No.1 airline, Ryanair aims to operate its largest-ever schedule from Rimini in Summer 2027. The new base will facilitate increased travel options for passengers and support the local economy through job creation and tourism growth.

In the filing dated October 15, 2026, Ryanair detailed that the new Rimini base will include:

  • Two new based aircraft with a $200 million investment.
  • 600,000 seats, a 100% increase compared to Summer 2025.
  • 17 routes in total, including five new routes to Dublin, Memmingen, Stockholm, Tirana, and Warsaw.
  • 114 total weekly flights, doubling the number from 2025.
  • Support for over 500 local jobs.

Ryanair's investment is part of a broader growth strategy in Emilia-Romagna, which has already seen the addition of nine new routes and support for over 450 jobs across the region's airports. The airline is calling on the Italian government to eliminate the Municipal Tax at all airports to further enhance competitiveness and attract additional investments.

Ryanair’s CEO, Eddie Wilson, expressed enthusiasm about the new base, highlighting its potential to drive traffic and tourism in Emilia-Romagna. He stated, “This record Ryanair investment and growth in Rimini demonstrates our long-term commitment to drive traffic, tourism, and economic growth across Emilia Romagna following the region’s abolition of the Municipal Tax.”

Michele de Pascale, President of Emilia-Romagna Region, also commented on the initiative, noting that the new routes will bolster international access to the region and support local jobs and businesses.

Ryanair has launched a limited-time seat sale to celebrate the new base, with fares starting from €29.99, available via the Ryanair App and website.

This expansion reflects ongoing trends in the air transportation industry, with airlines increasingly focusing on regional growth and connectivity. Ryanair's proactive approach underscores its commitment to enhancing travel options and supporting local economies in the regions it serves.

Details were not available in the SEC filing regarding future steps following this announcement.