Ryanair Sets Record as First European Airline to Carry 200 Million Passengers in a Year

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

April 2, 2025

Ryanair, Europe’s leading budget airline, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first European carrier to transport over 200 million passengers within a single fiscal year.

This remarkable achievement underscores Ryanair’s dominance in the aviation industry and its commitment to providing affordable travel options across the continent.

The airline’s March 2025 traffic statistics reveal a 10% year-on-year growth, with 15 million passengers flown during the month. This surge in passenger numbers contributed to the annual total of 200.2 million passengers, marking a 9% increase compared to the previous year. Ryanair operated over 84,000 flights in March alone, maintaining a robust load factor of 93%.

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, expressed pride in the airline’s accomplishment, highlighting its role in revolutionizing air travel in Europe. He emphasized Ryanair’s dedication to expanding its network and enhancing customer experience while maintaining competitive fares.

This milestone comes as Ryanair continues to navigate challenges such as aircraft delivery delays and fluctuating market conditions. Despite these hurdles, the airline remains optimistic about its growth trajectory, with plans to further increase passenger numbers in the coming years.