Ryanair maintains focus on European routes despite past transatlantic flight plans

Ryanair, one of Europe's largest low-cost carriers, has a long history of maintaining its business model focused on high aircraft utilization and cost control. Despite the airline's exploration of launching transatlantic flights over a decade ago, the plan was eventually shelved. This idea initially generated significant media attention but was ultimately set aside like many other proposals from Ryanair.

The airline had considered launching flights between up to 14 European cities and major US destinations such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and Miami. This expansion would have required securing a new fleet of long-haul aircraft. Ryanair even suggested that one-way fares could start at £10 ($14), with the goal of offering lower-cost travel options between Europe and the USA.

However, operational realities made this plan unworkable for Ryanair's core model. The airline is structured around short-haul efficiency, fast turnarounds, high daily utilization, and low operating costs—factors not easily compatible with long-haul operations. CEO Eddie Wilson stated in 2023 that "nobody has ever really cracked" the profitable low-cost transatlantic market.