Ryanair Now Increases Christmas Flight Capacity Across UK Hubs: Stansted, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Belfast

Published on November 26, 2025

Ryanair, the largest airline in Europe, has announced they will increase their UK capacity due to the increasing demand for air travel during the holiday season, adding tens of thousands of seats, to assist holiday travelers during the busy Christmas season and allow them to travel home and spend time with family and friends.

This year increase in holiday travel demand, Ryanair will be adding flights to and from the most busy UK airports, London Stansted, Liverpool John Lennon, and Birmingham, and Belfast airports. with the goal of servicing travelers hoping to fill the holiday season with travel.

Stansted Surge: Over 64,000 Extra Seats for Christmas Week

London Stansted, one of Ryanair’s largest hubs, will see the biggest increase in capacity, with over 64,000 extra seats being added during Christmas week 2025. Ryanair expects to carry over 529,000 passengers through Stansted during the festive period, underscoring the airport’s importance as a major gateway for holiday travel.

The surge in capacity will respond to strong demand from travelers keen to return home for the holidays or take advantage of the extended breaks to travel within Europe. As one of the most popular times of the year for air travel, these additional flights aim to reduce congestion and ensure passengers can travel smoothly to and from the airport.

Liverpool Lift: 11,000 Extra Seats Added

At Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Ryanair is also enhancing its service by adding 11,000 extra seats for the Christmas season. The airline anticipates carrying more than 47,000 passengers during the Christmas week. This increase in capacity highlights the regional demand for travel and demonstrates Ryanair’s commitment to serving secondary hubs across the UK.

Liverpool, a key city for both leisure and business travel, will benefit from improved connectivity, allowing passengers to access additional routes to both domestic and European destinations. The increase will provide more options for people traveling from Northern England and neighboring regions, making it easier for them to head home for the festive season.

Birmingham Boost: 16,000 More Seats for Holiday Travelers

Birmingham Airport will also see a significant boost in flights, with 16,000 additional seats being added over the Christmas period. This expansion is expected to serve around 76,000 passengers in total, enhancing the Midlands’ connectivity for both leisure travelers and those traveling for business.

Birmingham, located in the heart of the UK, has long been a vital hub for domestic and international travel. By increasing its capacity during the holiday season, Ryanair is reinforcing the region’s importance as a major center for air travel, while providing more flexible options for passengers in the Midlands region.

Belfast Addition: 4,900 Extra Seats to Meet Northern Ireland’s Christmas Travel Demand

Ryanair is also responding to the needs of travelers in Northern Ireland by adding 4,900 seats to and from Belfast, forecasting around 26,000 passengers for Christmas week. The move is expected to ensure that Northern Irish travelers have enough flight options to reach family and friends across the UK and Europe, particularly during the busy holiday season.

This service expansion will also reinforce the airline’s position as a major operator in Northern Ireland, providing more convenient connections for travelers looking to take advantage of holiday deals or visit loved ones during the festive period.

A Strategic Move to Meet Strong Christmas Demand

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for air travel, and Ryanair is committed to meeting this demand by offering additional flights and maximizing capacity across its UK network. As Jade Kirwan, Ryanair’s Director of Communications, noted, the airline’s decision to increase capacity across its UK hubs is in direct response to strong demand from travelers.

Kirwan encouraged anyone planning to travel during the Christmas season to book early, as flights are expected to fill up quickly due to the increase in passenger numbers. Ryanair’s commitment to enhancing its capacity during this time of year ensures that holiday travel remains as stress-free and convenient as possible for passengers.

Looking Ahead: Ryanair’s Ongoing Commitment to UK Travel

As Ryanair continues to grow its presence in the UK, the airline’s investment in increasing flight capacity during peak periods like Christmas illustrates its commitment to supporting travelers across the country. The added flights during the festive period will not only meet the current demand but also help to solidify Ryanair as a key player in the UK aviation market.

With its strong presence at airports like London Stansted, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Belfast, Ryanair continues to play an essential role in connecting the UK with domestic and European destinations, offering passengers flexible, affordable, and reliable travel options.