Ryanair has set a new benchmark in European aviation by becoming the first airline to carry over 200 million passengers in a single year. As a result, the airline has strengthened its dominance in the low-cost travel sector and reinforced its position as Europe’s largest carrier.
To celebrate this milestone, Ryanair welcomed its 200 millionth passenger in Madrid on March 26, 2025. The honored traveler, an 84-year-old passenger, arrived on flight FR5469 from Fuerteventura to Madrid-Barajas Airport. After a smooth two-hour journey, the Boeing 737 MAX 8200 landed at 12:35 local time, marking this historic moment.
Notably, this achievement places Ryanair among the world’s most successful airlines. While American Airlines recorded 248.7 million travelers last year, Delta Air Lines also surpassed the 200 million mark. Even though these numbers are impressive, Ryanair remains Europe’s undisputed leader in budget air travel.
Furthermore, Ryanair expects to exceed this milestone again. The airline projects 206 million passengers next year. However, ongoing production delays at Boeing have forced Ryanair to adjust its initial forecast. Due to these setbacks, the airline has had to scale back some expansion plans.
Currently, Ryanair operates a fleet of 612 aircraft, primarily Boeing 737s. Additionally, Lauda Europe flies a small number of Airbus A320-200s. With an average fleet age of 10 years, Ryanair continues to modernize its operations. Meanwhile, the airline plans to increase ticket prices by 4% to 6%, following a previous fare reduction.
Recently, Ryanair benefited from a disruption at London Heathrow Airport. On March 21, 2025, a temporary shutdown left thousands of passengers stranded. Consequently, many travelers turned to Ryanair as a reliable alternative. As the airline continues to adapt to market changes, it remains at the forefront of European air travel.
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