The low-cost airline Ryanair has confirmed the opening of a new operational base at Trapani–Birgi Airport.

Ryanair Confirms New Operational Base at Trapani–Birgi Airport
The low-cost airline Ryanair has confirmed the opening of a new operational base at Trapani–Birgi Airport, scheduled to start in January 2026.
This is a major investment aimed at revitalising western Sicily’s airport and enhancing national and international connectivity.

Key Figures

Two aircraft permanently based at the airport, operating around 23 routes, including 11 new destinations.
Target: to exceed 2 million passengers per year (some sources indicate between 1.2 and 1.5 million) thanks to the expansion.
Investment: estimated at 200 million USD by Ryanair, with over 800 new direct and indirect jobs expected in the local area.

Reasons Behind the Decision

The reduction or abolition of the municipal surcharge on Sicilian airports handling under 5 million passengers proved to be a decisive incentive.
For Ryanair, this move is part of a growth strategy — consolidating its presence in Italy, especially in Sicily, which will now become the company’s third base on the island.
For Trapani–Birgi Airport, this represents an opportunity to become a competitive hub within Sicily’s regional airport system.

Impact on the Territory

Tourism: stronger connections with Italy and Europe will lead to increased tourist flows and a longer travel season, with year-round flights.
Local economy: the establishment of the base will stimulate related sectors — hotels, restaurants, transport, and airport services.
Mobility and logistics: a reinforced airport enables the Trapani Province to integrate more effectively into international tourism and low-cost networks.
Hospitality challenge: local operators (hotels, restaurants, etc.) will need to improve quality standards, service care, and internationalisation.

Details on New Routes

Among the new destinations announced are Baden-Baden, Bratislava, Bournemouth, Brussels, Katowice, Stockholm, and the Italian cities of Bari, Pescara, and Verona.
In addition, the Rome and Milan routes will see a capacity increase of at least 10%.

Next Steps and Challenges

The base is expected to become operational on 1 January 2026. Airport and local infrastructures — parking, access, and passenger services — must keep pace.
The tourist season could be extended, but the region needs to offer sufficient attractions and services to handle increased flows.
Competition with other Sicilian airports (Palermo, Catania, Comiso, etc.) will require coordinated regional planning.

In Particular

The Sicilian Regional Government’s decision to abolish the municipal surcharge on smaller airports (including Trapani) has played a crucial role, significantly increasing the airport’s appeal.
The airport management company, Airgest S.p.A., chaired by Salvatore Ombra, confirmed that work is “ongoing” on establishing the Ryanair base.
Although there is still no official, detailed announcement from Ryanair, industry sources consistently describe the opening as “highly likely.”

What “Operational Base” Means

When an airline establishes a “base” at an airport, it usually involves:

one or more aircraft permanently stationed at that airport (not just stopovers);
local flight and cabin crews, allowing for early morning departures and late-night returns;
a stronger, long-term presence within the carrier’s network, with more routes, higher frequency, and greater stability.

Why It Matters for the Territory

More passenger traffic – A base makes the airport more competitive, attracting additional flights and destinations and benefiting tourism and mobility in western Sicily.
Job creation – Not only within Ryanair itself, but also across local airports, tourism, transport, and service sectors.
Airport development – Trapani–Birgi Airport, also known as Trapani–Marsala Vincenzo Florio, gains significant strategic importance.
Regional benefits – For Trapani, Marsala, San Vito Lo Capo, and the Egadi Islands, more connections mean better accessibility, new market opportunities, and local economic revitalisation.

Risks and Factors to Monitor

Despite significant progress, negotiations are not yet formally concluded — details on aircraft numbers, routes, and timelines are still pending.
The agreement with the Region and the abolition of the municipal surcharge leave room for operational or contractual uncertainties.
Traffic sustainability: a base requires constant and sufficient passenger demand to remain viable.
Coordination with other Sicilian airports (Palermo, Catania) and adequate infrastructure for transport and services are essential.

Timeline
From mid-2025, Ryanair is already loading early-morning departures from Trapani, interpreted as the first sign of the new base.
A full launch of the base is expected during the winter 2025/26 schedule.

What changes

• From 12 November 2025 (previously planned for 3 November), the digital boarding pass (DBP) requirement will come into effect: it will no longer be possible to download or print a paper boarding pass for Ryanair flights.
• After completing online check-in (on the website or via the myRyanair app), the digital boarding pass will be available directly in the app.

Why they are doing it

• Reduction of airport costs and simplification of procedures.
• Improved customer service: real-time updates, smoother flight management, etc.
• Environmental impact: an estimated elimination of around 300 tons of paper per year.

What passengers need to do

• Complete online check-in before arriving at the airport.
• Make sure the myRyanair app is installed and the digital boarding pass is ready on your device.
• Present the DBP (on your smartphone) at security checks and at the boarding gate.

Conclusion

Ryanair’s decision to open a base at Trapani–Birgi marks a major step forward for the airport and for the entire province of Trapani.
This is not just about numbers and routes — it’s the beginning of a new chapter that could reshape tourism, local economy, and mobility across western Sicily.
If infrastructure and hospitality are managed effectively, the region could achieve long-term and sustainable growth.

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