Ryanair, Europe’s leading low-cost airline, has secured 840 slots at Paris Orly Airport (ORY) for the summer 2025 season, marking its inaugural operations from this major Parisian hub. This strategic expansion will introduce daily flights to Bratislava Airport (BTS) in Slovakia and Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) in Italy, enhancing connectivity for travelers to and from the French capital.
Strategic Expansion into Paris Orly
Historically, Ryanair‘s Paris operations have been concentrated at Paris Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA), located approximately 90 kilometers north of central Paris, where the airline holds a dominant market share. The addition of services at Orly, situated just 18 kilometers south of the city center, offers passengers more convenient access to Paris and aligns with Ryanair’s strategy to increase its presence in key European markets.
Allocation of Slots and Route Details
The French airport coordinator, Cohor, allocated these slots as part of a pool of 8,112 slots available for reallocation at Orly, with 50% reserved for new entrants under European Union regulations. Ryanair plans to operate daily flights from Orly to Bratislava and Milan Bergamo, utilizing its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, known for their efficiency and reliability.
While Ryanair successfully secured slots for these two routes, its applications for 12 additional destinations, including Cologne Bonn (CGN), Dublin (DUB), Gdańsk (GDN), Girona (GRO), Kaunas (KUN), Reggio Calabria (REG), and Wroclaw (WRO), were not approved in this allocation. Despite these setbacks, the airline remains committed to expanding its network and may pursue further opportunities at Orly and other airports in the future.
This development comes amid Ryanair’s recent warnings of potential capacity reductions on French regional routes, contingent on proposed increases in passenger taxes by the French government. The airline currently operates at 22 airports across France, with its largest base at Beauvais, followed by Marseille (MRS), Toulouse (TLS), Nantes (NTE), and Nîmes (FNI). The introduction of services at Orly is poised to enhance competition and provide passengers with more travel options, potentially leading to more competitive fares and improved service levels.
Bottom Line
Ryanair’s entry into Paris Orly Airport represents a significant milestone in its expansion strategy, offering enhanced connectivity between Paris and key European cities. As the airline navigates regulatory and market challenges, its commitment to growth and providing affordable travel options remains evident. Passengers can anticipate more choices and greater convenience as Ryanair continues to broaden its network across Europe.
