Ryanair, recognized as Poland’s leading airline, has revealed significant plans to expand its operations in Kraków. The airline will introduce three new Boeing 737 aircraft, making a total investment of $1.5 billion. This expansion will increase its Kraków-based fleet to 15 aircraft and add four new routes to its network.
New Routes and Increased Capacity
Ryanair has announced that it will operate a total of 86 routes from Kraków this summer. The new destinations include:
- Amman
- Bucharest
- Budapest
- Sofia
This expansion is expected to boost passenger traffic by 13%, bringing the annual total to approximately 8 million travelers.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The growth of Ryanair’s operations will have a positive effect on the local economy. It is estimated that over 6,000 jobs will be sustained in Kraków and the broader Małopolska region. This will provide residents and visitors with a greater array of affordable travel options.
Investment in Aviation Training
Ryanair is also enhancing its commitment to Kraków with the establishment of Poland’s first Boeing 737 Simulator and Crew Training Centre at Kraków Airport. This state-of-the-art facility aims to position Kraków as a central hub for aviation training and technology in Europe. Hundreds of pilots, cabin crew members, and engineers will benefit from this program, contributing to the development of high-skilled jobs.
Special Promotions
To celebrate the introduction of these new aircraft and routes, Ryanair is launching a three-day seat sale. Fares start from just 126 PLN, available for booking on El-Balad and the Ryanair app.
Statements from Leadership
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, expressed enthusiasm for the airline’s continuous growth in Kraków, highlighting that it is now the largest base in Central Europe. He emphasized the importance of the new routes and increased frequencies on existing routes for summer 2026.
Łukasz Strutyński, President of the Management Board of Kraków–Balice Airport, also praised Ryanair’s expansion. He noted that over 7 million passengers traveled with the airline last year, with popular destinations including Italy, the UK, Spain, Ireland, and Greece. The new routes are set to enhance connectivity, allowing travelers to explore previously seasonal destinations.
The summer travel season at Kraków Airport begins on March 29, and the excitement for the new offerings is palpable among both the airline and local stakeholders.
