Ryanair Lists Five Cities Seeing Strong Demand for Travel in 2026

By Ivan PetrenkoDec 31, 2025 20:05 PMNews
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Ryanair aircraft operating a European route
Ryanair expands network for 2026 travel. Source: unsplash

As the year ends, Ryanair has published a list of destinations attracting the highest passenger interest for travel in 2026. The airline based its selection on booking trends across its network of more than 235 destinations. According to Ryanair, the cities named are supported by expanded summer schedules, new aircraft bases, or a higher number of routes, making them easier to reach during the 2026 travel season.

Central and Eastern Europe gaining stronger air links

Ryanair reports increased interest in several Central and Eastern European cities, supported by larger route networks and higher flight frequency.

  • Bratislava, Slovakia – Ryanair will operate 33 routes in summer 2026, with capacity rising by around 70%, giving the Slovak capital a larger number of direct flight options.
  • Tirana, Albania – A new three-aircraft base is scheduled to open in April 2026, with around 450 weekly flights across 33 routes.
  • Gdańsk, Poland – The airline will run a record 43 routes, improving connections to Poland’s Baltic coast.
Bratislava skyline with Danube River and castle
Bratislava sees rising interest for 2026. Source: unsplash

Beyond Central Europe, Ryanair has also pointed to destinations in Southern Europe and North Africa that are drawing growing passenger interest.

  • Pescara, Italy – The Adriatic coastal city will be served by 21 Ryanair routes in summer 2026, with a high volume of seasonal flights.
  • Rabat, Morocco – A new two-aircraft base is planned for April 2026, expanding the city’s Ryanair network to 20 routes connecting Europe and Morocco.

Places becoming easier to reach next year

The expanded schedules improve access to a mix of historic centres, coastal areas, and regional destinations outside major hubs. Bratislava sits close to the Danube and within easy reach of nearby European capitals, while Gdańsk improves access to Poland’s Baltic coast. Pescara gives travellers a straightforward way to reach Italy’s Adriatic shoreline, and Rabat serves as a convenient starting point for exploring Morocco’s Atlantic coast and historic areas.

Pescara on Italy’s Adriatic coast with the Apennine mountains behind the city
Pescara gains more summer flight options. Source: unsplash

Ryanair’s list shows which destinations are already seeing higher passenger interest for travel in 2026. More routes and additional aircraft reduce dependence on larger airports and allow travellers to reach smaller cities more directly. For people planning trips next year, the changes point to more choice, shorter travel times, and easier access to destinations that have often sat outside traditional European city-break routes.

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