Sardinia Summer Flights Hold Steady As Tax Debate Continues
Ryanair has confirmed its Summer 2026 schedule for Sardinia, keeping operations in place as travel demand across the island remains strong. Three aircraft will be based in Cagliari, with 73 routes operating across the network and around 4.5 million passengers projected each year. Traffic levels are set to remain close to Summer 2025, as the municipal surcharge on departing passengers remains in place and continues to limit additional expansion.
The airline stated that the existing local tax continues to affect expansion plans, restricting additional capacity and new route development. Ryanair argues that the charge increases travel costs and limits access to lower fares for residents and visitors alike. Several other Italian regions have already removed similar levies, which the carrier says has led to increased traffic, additional aircraft deployment and wider connectivity.
“Ryanair’s Summer 2026 schedule confirms our continued commitment to Sardinia, with three based aircraft (a $300 million investment), 73 routes and 4.5 million passengers. However, traffic on the island will remain flat compared to Summer 2025 due to the presence of the municipal surcharge. This regressive tax penalises passengers, harms tourism and employment, and limits access to affordable travel for Sardinian residents."
Summer 2026 Ryanair Programme In Sardinia
- 3 based aircraft in Cagliari
- 73 total routes across Europe and Italy
- 4.5 million annual passengers
- Support for more than 3,500 local jobs
Ryanair has called on Sardinian authorities to follow regions such as Abruzzo, Calabria, Sicily and Emilia-Romagna, where removing the surcharge encouraged airline expansion. According to the carrier, abolishing the tax could allow further investment, including additional aircraft, new international routes and the creation of a northern Sardinia base generating around 900 local jobs.
Keeping the current schedule in place allows Sardinia to remain well connected with key European holiday markets during the summer season. Direct flights continue to bring visitors to coastal resorts, historic towns and national parks across the island, while regular services help maintain steady visitor numbers during peak months, when hotel occupancy and many seasonal jobs depend heavily on reliable air connections.
The announcement highlights how regional aviation growth increasingly depends on local policy decisions rather than demand alone. Stable flight programmes provide continuity, yet future expansion remains uncertain without regulatory changes. Air connections remain an essential part of island travel, influencing how easily holidays, family visits and seasonal trips can be organised in the coming years.
