Summary Ryanair and easyJet operate long routes to tourist destinations like the Canary Islands and Egypt. Both airlines offer high-frequency long-haul flights with substantial seating capacity. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet expand into leisure markets without compromising affordability.
As Europe's leading low-cost carriers, easyJet and Ryanair have made a name for themselves by offering affordable, no-frills travel across numerous short- and medium-haul routes. However, both airlines occasionally operate 'long-haul' routes that stretch the limits of their business models. This month, some notably long routes are offered by these carriers, revealing how low-cost airlines can compete in markets traditionally dominated by full-service airlines.
Let's take a closer look at the longest routes operated by Ryanair and easyJet this month based on mileage, frequency, and seating capacity. What's more is that soon easyJet will surpass the routes mentioned in this article with the launch of its new route from London to Luxor. Ryanair's Longest Routes According to aviation analytics company Cirium , these are Ryanair's longest routes in September 2024: Warsaw Modlin (WMI) to Tenerife South (TFS) Distance : 2,543 miles (4,093 km) Operations : 12 Seats per Departure : 189 Total Available Seats : 2,268 ASM : 5,767,524 Ryanair's longest route this month is from Warsaw Modlin to Tenerife South.
This nearly 2,550-mile route connects Poland with the Canary Islands, a popular destination for those seeking sun and warmth during the colder months. Despite the long distance, Ryanair operates this route 12 times this month, offering over 2,200 seats. With Ryanair's cost-effective, point-to-point model, this route showcases how the airline can serve high-demand tourist destinations at affordable prices.
Krakow (KRK) to Tenerife South (TFS) Distance : 2,437 miles (3,922 km) Operations : 4 Seats per Departure : 197 Total Available Seats : 788 ASM : 1,920,356 The airline has a 96% average load factor for August and 94% year-to-date. Another long route Ryanair operates connects Krakow to Tenerife South, spanning 2,400 miles. With four operations this month, Ryanair offers nearly 800 seats for passengers looking to escape to the sunny Canary Islands.
The higher seat density on these flights (197 per departure) is part of Ryanair's strategy to maximize revenue on long-haul routes while keeping operational costs low. Kraków (KRK) to Gran Canaria (LPA) Distance : 2,395 miles (3,854 km) Operations : 5 Seats per Departure : 197 Total Available Seats : 985 ASM : 2,359,075 This month, Ryanair also connects Kraków with Gran Canaria, another favorite Canary Islands destination. With 985 seats available over five operations, Ryanair is continuing to tap into Poles' leisure market, seeking warm-weather getaways during the European winter.
Budapest (BUD) to Tenerife South (TFS) Distance : 2,343 miles (3,770 km) Operations : 9 Seats per Departure : 189 Total Available Seats : 1,701 ASM : 3,985,443 For the latest aviation news, follow Simple Flying! The Budapest to Tenerife South route is one of Ryanair's busiest long-haul connections this month, operating nine times and providing 1,701 seats. The 2,350-mile journey taps the growing demand for Hungarian travelers heading to the Canary Islands. Recently, the Irish airline slashed dozens of routes from Budapest over a tax dispute with the Hungarian government.
Budapest (BUD) to Gran Canaria (LPA) Distance : 2,297 miles (3,697 km) Operations : 4 Seats per Departure : 197 Total Available Seats : 788 ASM : 1,810,036 Aviation experts weigh in on the ultra-low-cost carrier's impact in the region. Gran Canaria is also a top destination for Ryanair from Budapest, operating four times this month. With 788 seats offered, this route serves as another major option for travelers from Central Europe looking for sunshine and beaches during the colder months.
easyJet's Longest Routes According to Cirium, these are easyJet's longest routes in September 2024: Belfast (BFS) to Hurghada (HRG) Distance : 2,762 miles (4,444 km) Operations : 8 Seats per Departure : 186 Total Available Seats : 1,488 ASM : 4,109,856 easyJet's longest route this month is the connection between Belfast and Hurghada, Egypt. At over 2,760 miles, this route connects the UK with one of the most popular Red Sea destinations. With eight operations and nearly 1,500 seats available, this long-haul route is an integral part of easyJet's strategy to capture the leisure market in Northern Ireland.
Glasgow (GLA) to Hurghada (HRG) Distance : 2,740 miles (4,409 km) Operations : 9 Seats per Departure : 186 Total Available Seats : 1,674 ASM : 4,586,760 It plans two routes, becoming the third airline on them in a few short years. Glasgow to Hurghada is another long-haul flight that easyJet frequently operates this month. With nine flights and nearly 1,700 seats, the route caters to Scottish travelers heading to the popular Egyptian resort town.
The long-haul nature of this route demonstrates easyJet'seasyJet's commitment to offering affordable options for those seeking sun-and-sea vacations in North Africa. Liverpool (LPL) to Hurghada (HRG) Distance : 2,598 miles (4,181 km) Operations : 9 Seats per Departure : 186 Total Available Seats : 1,674 ASM : 4,349,052 Another UK connection to Hurghada is from Liverpool, which spans nearly 2,600 miles. Like its routes from Glasgow and Belfast, easyJet offers nine operations and 1,674 seats for travelers visiting Egypt's famous resort areas.
The appeal of these long-haul flights is clear, as Hurghada provides some of the world's best scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach resorts. Manchester (MAN) to Hurghada (HRG) Distance : 2,577 miles (4,146 km) Operations : 26 Seats per Departure : 186 Total Available Seats : 4,836 ASM : 12,462,372 The UK-based low-cost carrier wants to find the right balance in terms of journeys where flying is more convenient. easyJet's Manchester to Hurghada route is one of the longest and most frequently operated routes, the airline operates an extensive route network from its Manchester hub.
With 26 operations this month and nearly 5,000 available seats, easyJet targets a significant portion of the Northern England market. Manchester's large population and Hurghada's appeal as a year-round sunny destination make this a particularly lucrative route for easyJet. Manchester (MAN) to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) Distance : 2,555 miles (4,113 km) Operations : 17 Seats per Departure : 186 Total Available Seats : 3,162 ASM : 8,078,910 Another Egyptian destination, Sharm El Sheikh, is connected to Manchester by easyJet, with 17 operations this month.
Offering over 3,100 seats, this long-haul route to the Sinai Peninsula provides British tourists easy access to another significant Red Sea resort town. Far-flung destinations at affordable prices Ryanair and easyJet are not just short-haul, budget carriers; they also operate several long routes that cover considerable distances. Both airlines are tapping into the leisure market by connecting key European cities with popular destinations like the Canary Islands and the Egyptian Red Sea coast.
Whether flying from Warsaw or Belfast, these routes demonstrate that low-cost carriers can successfully offer longer routes while maintaining their commitment to affordable travel. This month's longest routes provide an impressive combination of frequency, distance, and passenger capacity, showing how versatile these airlines have become..
