Tourexpi
Ryanair has announced its most extensive Summer
schedule to date for Trapani-Marsala, marking a significant expansion following
the launch of the airline’s new base at Vincenzo Florio Airport in January
2026. The development positions Trapani-Marsala as Ryanair’s third base in
Sicily and its twentieth in Italy.
Expansion driven by regional tax policy
According to Ryanair, the growth follows the Sicilian
Region’s decision to remove the Municipal Tax at smaller airports, a measure
the airline credits with stimulating additional connectivity, tourism and
employment. For Summer 2026, Ryanair will station two aircraft at
Trapani-Marsala, representing an investment valued at approximately 200 million
US dollars.
The Summer programme includes 24 routes, six of which
are newly introduced. The new connections link Trapani-Marsala with Stockholm,
Bournemouth, Bari, Lublin, Saarbrücken and Verona. Ryanair projects annual
passenger traffic of 1.2 million at the airport, reflecting an increase of 35
percent compared with previous periods.
Economic impact and employment outlook
The airline states that the expanded schedule is
expected to support more than 960 local jobs, while contributing to regional
economic activity through increased visitor flows and improved year-round
accessibility. Ryanair emphasises that the additional capacity is intended to
provide greater travel choice and competitive fares for both residents and
international visitors.
Call for broader tax reform
Ryanair has urged the Sicilian Government to extend
the removal of the Municipal Tax to all airports across the island, including
Palermo and Catania. The carrier argues that a uniform policy would unlock
comparable growth potential, enhance connectivity and further reduce fares.
At the national level, Ryanair continues to criticise
the Municipal Tax structure, describing it as a constraint on airport
competitiveness. The airline specifically highlights Rome, citing elevated tax
levels, operational restrictions at Ciampino Airport and rising airport charges
as factors limiting growth.
Promotional fares accompany launch
To coincide with the Summer 2026 announcement, Ryanair
has introduced a promotional seat sale, with fares starting from 29.99 euros,
available through the Ryanair app subject to availability.
Fabrizio Francioni, Head of Communications Italy at
Ryanair, commented:
“As Europe and Italy’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is
delighted to announce this record-breaking Summer ’26 schedule for
Trapani-Marsala – a direct result of the Sicilian Region’s proactive decision
to scrap the Municipal Tax at smaller Sicilian airports. With two based
aircraft and 24 routes, including six new connections, this programme will
support over 960 local jobs and 1.2 million annual passengers, strengthening
connectivity, tourism and employment at Europe’s lowest fares.”
Salvatore Ombra, President of Airgest, added:
“Starting this summer, as previously announced, a
second phase will begin. We have delivered on our promise: six new routes,
bringing the total to 24 destinations. Our goal is to reach 1.5 million
passengers by 2026. In addition, significant investments will be made for a
major redesign of our airport. Eight construction projects will begin by the
end of this year, with 13.8 million euros invested in our airport. Negotiations
are ongoing, and the objective is to return to the traffic levels achieved in 2016–2017.”
Image
Credit: © Ryanair
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