Ryanair will base a ninth aircraft in Malta for Summer 2026 as it prepares for what it describes as its “biggest and best” summer schedule yet, targeting six million passengers on Maltese routes this year.

The additional aircraft forms part of a wider $900 million (€755 million) investment in the Maltese market and will support a 20% increase in passenger traffic compared to last year. In 2025, around five million passengers flew with Ryanair to and from Malta. For Summer 2026, the airline expects that number to rise to six million.

The expanded schedule will include 70 routes from Malta, including four new destinations, alongside increased frequencies on 40 existing routes. These include popular European cities such as Milan, Vienna, London, Krakow, Zagreb, Madrid, Dublin and Bratislava.

Ryanair said the additional capacity and higher flight frequencies are aimed at supporting Malta’s tourism sector, particularly short-break travellers. Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary noted that weekend visitors tend to spend more per trip, as they are more likely to dine out, visit attractions and explore beyond their accommodation.

The airline confirmed that the ninth aircraft, which was maintained through the winter season, will remain based in Malta into the summer schedule, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the market.

Ryanair’s projected six million passengers would represent a significantly larger share of Malta’s aviation market compared to its nearest competitor, KM Malta Airlines, which is expected to carry approximately 1.6 million passengers during the summer season.

The airline also said its Malta operations support more than 4,700 local jobs, including 30 new pilot and cabin crew positions tied to the expanded schedule.

Fares for the Summer 2026 programme are already available through the Ryanair app, with promotional prices starting from €29.99.

The expansion underlines Ryanair’s continued dominance in Malta’s aviation market and signals another record summer season for passenger volumes, as the island continues to prioritise air connectivity and tourism-driven growth.