Ryanair is adding more options for travelers in East Anglia, unveiling its Norwich Winter 2025 schedule with the launch of a new route to Malta. The move marks the latest step in the airline’s growing investment in the region, offering competitive fares and strengthening connectivity for leisure and business passengers alike.
The announcement underscores Ryanair’s strategy to deepen its UK footprint while capitalizing on growing demand for affordable European travel. One-way fares for the new Malta service start at £29.99, with bookings now open through the airline’s official website.
Strengthening East Anglia’s Connectivity
The Malta service expands on Ryanair’s operations at Norwich Airport, which began in summer 2024. Since then, the airline has sought to position Norwich as a key regional hub. The Winter 2025 schedule also includes year-round flights to Alicante and seasonal connections to Faro, enhancing both holiday and business travel options for East Anglia passengers.
“These routes underscore Ryanair’s commitment to providing cost-effective travel solutions while supporting the local economy,” the airline said in its announcement.
Jade Kirwan, Ryanair’s Director of Communications, emphasized that the expansion reflects the company’s long-term vision for both Norwich and its broader UK network.
“We are delighted to launch the Norwich Winter 2025 schedule, featuring the new Malta route. Since establishing operations at Norwich, Ryanair has prioritized affordable connectivity for East Anglia passengers,” Kirwan said.
She added that the airline’s future growth would be powered by a major fleet renewal program. “With 340 new Boeing 737 aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next eight years, we aim to drive sustained traffic and tourism growth across our 22 UK airports.”
Call to Scrap UK Aviation Tax
Alongside the announcement, Ryanair renewed its call for the UK government to scrap Air Passenger Duty (APD), which the carrier argues limits competitiveness in the aviation sector.
Kirwan noted that other European nations, including Sweden, Hungary, Albania, and regions of Italy, have abolished similar aviation taxes. She pointed to significant increases in passenger traffic, tourism revenue, and job creation following those policy changes.
“Removing APD would position the UK as a more attractive destination for travellers and investors, particularly in regional hubs like Norwich,” Kirwan said. She also suggested that ending the tax could deliver the kind of economic stimulus that has so far eluded the Labour government in its first year in office.
“The Labour government’s first year has yet to deliver substantial economic growth, but abolishing APD could revitalize the aviation sector and stimulate regional development,” she said.
Norwich Airport Welcomes Expansion
Airport officials also welcomed the announcement, underscoring its importance for regional connectivity.
“Ryanair’s decision to extend the Malta route into winter and maintain year-round Alicante flights is a significant milestone. These additions, alongside the summer Faro service, enhance passenger choice and convenience, reinforcing Norwich Airport’s role as a vital regional gateway,” said Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport.
Outlook for Winter 2025
Ryanair’s expanded Norwich program reflects its ambition to maintain leadership in the low-cost travel segment. For the airline, Norwich offers a strategic opportunity to capture market share in a region historically underserved by major carriers.
Industry analysts note that Ryanair’s aggressive growth plans—fueled by the incoming Boeing 737 fleet—are aimed at reinforcing its cost advantage while expanding capacity across Europe. At the same time, the push to eliminate APD highlights the challenges airlines face in balancing expansion with regulatory and tax pressures in the UK market.
With bookings now open, passengers are being encouraged to secure seats early for the Malta, Alicante, and Faro routes, where competitive fares are expected to draw strong demand.
By combining low-cost fares with expanded connectivity, Ryanair is betting that East Anglia can become a stronger node in its European network—a move it hopes will also put pressure on policymakers to support the industry with more favorable tax conditions.
