Study shows Ryanair generates €8.4m per year for French regions

An independent economic impact study on the benefits of Ryanair’s flights to the Carcassonne and Aude region in France has indicated that Ryanair flights generate €8.4m in direct impact to the local economy annually.

The economic impact survey also revealed that Ryanair’s business has brought the region over €135m in indirect impact, which includes all tourism spending and property purchases, with 93% of all passengers staying in the Aude region.

Ryanair’s Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said in Paris today : "This report confirms the huge economic benefits of Ryanair’s low fares services to the French regions."

Since 1999, passenger numbers at Carcassonne have more than doubled to over 250,000 passengers per annum resulting in an economic boom.

"The survey also confirmed in-bound visitors making up 75% of the total traffic, with over 60% staying in the region for more than seven days.

"The economic impact report confirms that Ryanair’s partnership with Carcassonne CCI is delivering real and substantial economic benefits, through thousands of passengers each year," O'Leary added.