Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, met with Spain’s President, Pedro Sánchez, lasy week to discuss the company’s £5 billion investment plan in Spain over the next seven years.
The airline’s investment plan aims to increase passenger numbers from the current 55 million to 77 million and expand the number of routes from 730 to over a thousand by 2030. This plan includes the deployment of 33 new, more sustainable aircraft that emit 20% less CO2 and the opening of five new bases.
Ryanair will commence flights between Alicante Elche Miguel Hernandez and Barcelona El Prat airports on April 1, 2024. Initially, there will be three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays (Thursdays from April to June), and Fridays. Starting in October, the route will expand to four weekly flights, including an additional flight on Thursdays.
This announcement marks Ryanair’s return to the Alicante-Elche to Barcelona route after an absence of 11 years. With the reopening of this route, Ryanair will achieve a historic milestone by operating 10 domestic destinations during the 2024 summer season.
Vueling currently offers flights between these two cities starting from £15 (excluding fees), with a flight duration of just over an hour (excluding check-in time).
The train journey from Alicante to Barcelona takes a little over 4 hours and is considered by train operator Renfe as “the fastest, most comfortable, and sustainable way to travel.” Prices for train tickets start from a little over £40.
