by InTrieste
Summer is arriving early in Friuli Venezia Giulia, at least in the skies. With the upcoming time change on March 30, Trieste Airport is preparing for a significant expansion, as Ryanair introduces new routes and job opportunities.
The Irish low-cost carrier announced Thursday that it will launch flights from Trieste to Lamezia Terme and Prague, with a Stockholm route beginning June 4. The airport, aiming to meet increased demand, plans to hire 40 new workers.
“When we come to Trieste, we bring only good news,” said Eddie Wilson, Ryanair’s chief executive, during a press conference at the regional government headquarters. He unveiled plans for a second aircraft to be based at Trieste’s Ronchi dei Legionari Airport, part of a €100 million investment.
The expansion follows a regional policy decision to eliminate a municipal boarding tax of €6.50 per ticket in 2022, a move that has led to a 40% increase in passenger traffic over the past year. “Ronchi is now the third-fastest-growing medium-sized airport in Europe,” said Friuli Venezia Giulia Governor Massimiliano Fedriga.
A Gateway to Central Europe
Trieste, a historic port city with a rich blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences, has long been an underrated travel destination. The city’s connection to the Irish writer James Joyce—who lived here for over a decade—has helped attract Irish visitors, according to Wilson.
“There is a strong connection between Ireland and Trieste,” Wilson said. “Friends who have visited here often take the opportunity to explore Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria. Trieste can be a perfect base for discovering this entire region.”
A Strategic Bet on Growth
At the press conference, Ryanair outlined its expanded summer 2025 schedule, which includes increasing frequencies on nine existing routes. In total, the airline will serve 21 destinations from Trieste.
Governor Fedriga emphasized that the region’s decision to eliminate airport access fees was a key factor in attracting more flights. “We were the first Italian region to take this step, and the results speak for themselves,” he said. “Passenger traffic grew by 41.5% in 2024, surpassing one million travelers for the first time. Projections indicate a further 20% increase this year, reaching 1.6 million passengers.”
Trieste Airport’s rapid rise has also earned it a new distinction: in January, it ranked third among Europe’s medium-sized airports for growth, according to Airports Council International Europe. Since the tax cut, Ryanair alone has doubled its annual passenger volume in Trieste to 1.1 million and created 800 jobs.
The airline’s bet on Trieste underscores the city’s growing importance as a transportation hub in northeastern Italy. With increased connectivity and strong regional support, Trieste may soon shed its reputation as a hidden gem—becoming instead a must-visit gateway to Central Europe.
