Ryanair studying Ljubljana operations for summer 2023
Ryanair is still interested in launching operations to Ljubljana in the summer of 2023 and is continuing to study the market ahead of a final decision. The carrier has identified airport operator Fraport as its main obstacle for expansion in the country, complaining about its fees. The airline has had a rocky relationship with the German airport operator. This year it ended services from Frankfurt and is turning its year-round base in Athens into a seasonal summer one, with both airports managed by Fraport, which it has accused of hiking fees in both cities. The airline held talks with the Slovenian government earlier this year where it again voiced its concerns about the fee per on board passenger charged by Ljubljana Airport.
Despite maintaining a nearby base in Zagreb, which attracts a notable portion of passengers from Slovenia, the budget carrier is confident it can successfully operate to both capital cities, noting it has had “great success” in Zagreb since launching services there last year, which it could replicate in Ljubljana as well. Ryanair further notes that Ljubljana could be marketed as an ideal holiday destination due its proximity to the resort town of Bled. “We are tracking the Slovenian market. It is interesting to us for different reasons. If we can see that we can turn around this potential into a profit, we will enter this market”, the carrier told EX-YU Aviation News.
Ryanair has considered introducing flights to Ljubljana on several occasions over the past decade. Late last year, the General Manager of Ljubljana Airport, Babett Stapel, said, “We have already held talks [with Ryanair] and we are ready to continue them. We welcome all airlines that fit into our business model”. Low cost carriers will be reducing their operations to Ljubljana Airport this coming winter season with Wizz Air, Transavia and easyJet all set to decrease planned services. Wizz Air will suspend flights from Charleroi to the Slovenian capital for the durations of the winter season, while Transavia will suspend operations from Amsterdam up until at least November 15. easyJet will cut down on its flights from London Gatwick, with the budget carrier to maintain just one weekly rotation between the two cities next month.
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