In a 2 December update, Ryanair disclosed that it carried 13.8 million passengers in November 2025, a 6 % year-on-year increase, and posted a 93 % load factor despite softening winter demand. The carrier credited growth at its Italian bases—Bologna, Milan Bergamo and Rome Ciampino—for much of the uplift and reiterated its stance that abolishing the €6.50 municipal surcharge nationwide could unlock a further 20 million annual passengers.
Key figures – Total traffic year-to-date reached 207 million, keeping Ryanair on track to exceed its 225 million target by fiscal year-end. In Italy, November seat capacity was up 9 %, buoyed by Abruzzo’s decision to eliminate the local tax that Ryanair says had depressed regional airports. The airline has responded by basing two aircraft in Pescara for the first winter season, representing a USD 200 million investment.
![Ryanair Reports 13.8 Million November Passengers, Renews Call to Scrap Italy’s Municipal Airport Tax]()
Policy angle – Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness used the traffic release to lobby the Italian government, arguing that scrapping the tax could prompt the airline to add 40 more aircraft, 250 new routes and 15,000 jobs. The statement intensifies pressure on Transport Minister Matteo Salvini ahead of the 2026 budget debate.
Practical impact – Higher winter capacity means more fare stability for corporate travellers who traditionally face price spikes around Christmas. Mobility managers should, however, watch for schedule volatility on marginal routes if the municipal tax remains in place, as Ryanair hinted it would redeploy aircraft to lower-tax jurisdictions.
Environmental footnote – The monthly bulletin noted that Ryanair’s average CO₂ emissions per passenger-kilometre fell to 55 g, helped by a fleet mix that now includes 110 Boeing 737-8200 “Gamechanger” aircraft based at nine Italian airports.
Key figures – Total traffic year-to-date reached 207 million, keeping Ryanair on track to exceed its 225 million target by fiscal year-end. In Italy, November seat capacity was up 9 %, buoyed by Abruzzo’s decision to eliminate the local tax that Ryanair says had depressed regional airports. The airline has responded by basing two aircraft in Pescara for the first winter season, representing a USD 200 million investment.
Policy angle – Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness used the traffic release to lobby the Italian government, arguing that scrapping the tax could prompt the airline to add 40 more aircraft, 250 new routes and 15,000 jobs. The statement intensifies pressure on Transport Minister Matteo Salvini ahead of the 2026 budget debate.
Practical impact – Higher winter capacity means more fare stability for corporate travellers who traditionally face price spikes around Christmas. Mobility managers should, however, watch for schedule volatility on marginal routes if the municipal tax remains in place, as Ryanair hinted it would redeploy aircraft to lower-tax jurisdictions.
Environmental footnote – The monthly bulletin noted that Ryanair’s average CO₂ emissions per passenger-kilometre fell to 55 g, helped by a fleet mix that now includes 110 Boeing 737-8200 “Gamechanger” aircraft based at nine Italian airports.
