Ryanair reports 20 million passengers in September amid regional expansion and fiscal challenges

Ryanair reported transporting 20.1 million passengers in September 2026, a 4% increase compared to the previous year, maintaining a 94% load factor. The airline's operations faced some disruptions due to air traffic control strikes in Belgium and volcanic activity from Mount Etna in Sicily.

In Italy, Ryanair is expanding its presence in Milan with an 11% capacity increase for the winter 2026 season, investing $3.3 billion to support 125 routes. However, the airline reported stagnation in Rome due to rising airport fees and operational constraints at Ciampino airport, calling for government intervention regarding municipal taxes.

Regional tourism data shows significant growth in the Rimini area. The Federico Fellini International Airport surpassed 500,000 passengers in the first nine months of 2026, a 48.5% increase over 2025. In Rimini city, foreign tourists accounted for 39.3% of total stays during the first eight months of the year, reflecting a strong trend of internationalization.