Ryanair has announced a new route from a popular UK airport for its winter 2024 schedule. The low-cost airline has today (October 16) launched 13 routes from Belfast with one flight path to an affordable European destination.

The airline has also added extra winter flights on three city-break locations including Krakow, Alicante and London. These routes will start from October 27.

Ryanair will operate four times the amount of return services per week on its new Kaunas route which is an affordable location in the heart of Lithuania.

Kaunas has a medieval fortress surrounding the city and a beautiful old town for travellers to go and visit. There’s also a rich history with Kaunas Castle and a fun Christmas market to get people into the festive spirit.

Ryanair’s Belfast base re-opened in 2023 and has grown in terms of customers travelling through the airport with a 64 percent increase vs pre-Covid levels.

Belfast Airport now carries more than 1.2 million passengers to and from Belfast in 2024. It comes as Dublin Airport is closed due to the 2027 artificial traffic cap.

Ryanair has now switched more than 50,000 winter seats to Belfast to help drive traffic to and from the city.

Dara Brady, a chief marketing officer at Ryanair said: “As the UK’s No.1 fares airline Ryanair is pleased to announce our winter 2024 schedule for Belfast, with 13 routes including an exciting new route to Kaunas – connecting Northern Ireland with the Baltics, as well as extra Winter flights to Alicante, Krakow, and London, and giving Northern Ireland citizens/visitors even more choice at the lowest fares in Europe.

“Since reopening Ryanair’s base in 2023, we have grown and invested heavily in the region with 2x based aircraft ($200million invest.) and support of over 850 local jobs, as well as driving important inbound tourism year-round.

“Through our ongoing investment, we have grown our Belfast operation by +64 percent vs. pre-Covid levels, and we will continue to grow at Belfast, have recently switched over 50,000 Winter seats from Dublin due to the 2007 traffic cap rendering Dublin Airport closed for business.

“Ryanair looks forward to continuing our positive relationship with Belfast International Airport and the growth opportunity it presents. We look forward to carry millions more Belfast citizens/visitors onboard our Ryanair flights over the years to come.”

Dan Owens, CEO of Belfast International Airport said: “Since returning to Belfast International Airport, Ryanair has offered local passengers greater choice and connectivity with fantastic routes on offer.

“Today’s announcement that they will deliver 13 routes over the winter period including an exciting new destination such as Kaunas in Lithuania only grows this offering.

“The additional flights to Alicante, Krakow and London strengthen Ryanair’s presence in Northern Ireland and is warmly welcomed by all.”