Ryanair launches Summer 2026 schedule for Bari and Brindisi with 82 routes

International

Airline calls for abolition of municipal airport tax to support further growth in Italy

Ryanair has unveiled its Summer 2026 flight programme for the Apulia airports of Bari and Brindisi, introducing a network of 82 routes and expanding its presence in southern Italy. The schedule includes three new connections from Bari to Bucharest, Bristol and Trapani-Marsala.

The programme is supported by five aircraft based in Apulia—three stationed in Bari and two in Brindisi—representing an investment of around 500 million US dollars. According to the airline, the operation is expected to carry more than seven million passengers annually and support over 5,400 jobs in the region.

Expansion in Apulia

Ryanair has served the Apulia region for more than two decades and says it has transported over 60 million passengers to and from the region during that period. With the new summer schedule, the airline aims to further expand inbound tourism and strengthen year-round connectivity for the region.

Fabrizio Francioni, Ryanair’s Head of Communications for Italy, said the airline’s latest programme reflects its long-term commitment to the development of Apulia.

“As Italy’s number one airline, Ryanair is pleased to launch its Summer 2026 schedule for Bari and Brindisi with 82 routes, including three new connections from Bari to Bucharest, Bristol and Trapani,” Francioni said. “These routes underline our continued commitment to the growth of tourism and connectivity in the Apulia region.”

Call to abolish municipal airport tax

Ryanair used the announcement to renew its call for the Italian government and regional authorities to abolish the municipal airport tax nationwide. The airline argues that removing the levy would reduce access costs and encourage airlines to introduce additional routes.

Several Italian regions—including Abruzzo, Calabria and Friuli-Venezia Giulia—have already eliminated the tax, while Sicily and Emilia-Romagna have removed it for smaller airports.

According to Francioni, if the tax were scrapped across all Italian airports, Ryanair would consider a major expansion in the country. The airline says such a move could lead to an investment of around four billion US dollars, the addition of up to 40 aircraft, more than 250 new routes, around 20 million additional passengers per year and approximately 15,000 new jobs.

Regional support for expanded connectivity

Antonio Maria Vasile, President of Aeroporti di Puglia, welcomed the airline’s announcement and emphasised the importance of maintaining strong international air connections for the region.

“I warmly welcome the announcement of Ryanair’s Summer 2026 schedule, which further strengthens Puglia’s international connectivity and consolidates our strategic partnership with the airline,” Vasile said.

He noted that the introduction of new destinations demonstrates confidence in the region and in the ability of its airports to handle growing passenger numbers. According to Vasile, continued investment in routes and accessibility plays a key role in strengthening the regional economy and tourism sector.

The long-standing partnership between Aeroporti di Puglia and Ryanair, now spanning 22 years, remains an important element in the region’s development strategy. Regional authorities continue to invest in airport infrastructure, services and passenger experience in order to enhance competitiveness and support tourism growth.

With the expanded summer schedule, Apulia aims to further strengthen its profile as an international destination, while benefiting from increased passenger traffic, job creation and economic activity linked to the aviation sector.