Ryanair raises passenger target to 225 million a year by 2026

The expansion comes after the company announced at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic that it would lay off 3,000 workers due to the crisis

The airline also said it will open 10 new bases across Europe and take up slot opportunities vacated by competitor airlines. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Ryanair has raised its long-term traffic forecast and expects to fly 225 million passengers a year by 2026, up from 200 million previously as it eyes a strong recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Europe's largest low-cost carrier said the planned delivery of 210 Boeing 737-Max jets over the next five years will enable it to accelerate post-pandemic growth "as opportunities open up at primary and secondary airports all over Europe, particularly where legacy carriers have failed or reduced fleet sizes".