(Finance) – Ryanair he announced positive traffic data for the month of Octoberrecording a passenger traffic growth of 9% to 17.1 million, with load factor down one point to 93%. The carrier operated over 96,700 flights last month (over 870 flights were canceled due to conflict in the Middle East). Year to date passenger traffic is expected to 180.3 million, up 18% with load factor increasing by 3 points to 94%.
The low-cost carrier also launched a appeal to the Italian Governmentto ask about eliminate from the Budget the 50% increase in the municipal surtax at airports (3 euros per departing passenger) starting from 2024. “Increasing tourism taxes costs in terms of jobs and connectivity”says Ryanair, citing the case of Venice and the sizing decided by the carrier in favor of other more competitive airports (Spain and Portugal) on the cost side.
“The Italian Government should focus on reducing access costseliminating the municipal surtax: this would give a boost to the tourism sector in Italy and provide an increase in terms of jobs and GDP, particularly in those municipalities that need it most”, explains the CEO of Ryanair DAC, Eddie Wilsonrecalling that the company “has shared with the Italian Government proposals to provide 5 million extra seats on Sardinia and Sicily in the next 5 years, if the municipal surcharge, which applies to both Italian citizens and tourists traveling to/from the Islands, will be abolished”.
“The Italian Government and local administrations – it is reiterated – should work together to eliminate the current municipal surcharge: This will stimulate growth in tourism, industry and ultimately provide additional investments, jobs and connectivity for Italy, and in particular for the municipalities that need it most. Italian citizens/visitors deserve more connectivity, choice and low fares, which Ryanair will offer at competitive access costs.”