Ryanair to open two new Italian bases

Ryanair today announced that it will open two new Italian bases, in Alghero and Cagliari, in March 2009.

At Alghero, Ryanair will operate 18 routes to and from the North Sardinian city, while at its Cagliari base, Ryanair will offer 19 routes, delivering annual traffic of over 1.3m passengers.

These two new Italian bases will in 2009 increase Ryanair’s presence in Italy to seven (Rome, Milan, Pisa, Bologna, Forli, Alghero and Cagliari).

Announcing this Italian expansion, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said: “Italy is now Ryanair’s second largest market after the UK.

“At a time when Alitalia and Air One are merging, increasing fares and raising unjustified fuel surcharges, the conditions for more Ryanair low fare growth in Italy have never been better. “

To celebrate these two new bases and routes, Ryanair today released one million €5 (all inclusive) seats for travel in November, December and January.

These seats (which include all taxes and charges) are available for booking on www.ryanair.com until midnight, Thursday, October 23.