^^
O’Toole said there remains major opportunities in Spain and Italy, as well as Norway, Portugal, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Russia. He added that future open skies agreements in Turkey, Tunisia and Georgia could make these interesting countries for the carrier.
How big opportunities are to be found in these countries?
Spain? Well indeed, the sunny destinations will always be viable. But limiting at the same time the activities in e.g. UK, Ireland, France and Germany will generate a kind of asymmetry. Pax want to fly to Spanish resorts from the above mentioned countries rather and not so much from one Spanish resort to another.
Otherwise, in Spain there are some not-quite-necessary airports that would even agree to pay for flying (Lleida, Ciudad Real), but could go bust first.
Italy? Already pretty much saturated. The potential still exists, some risk would be associated with a possible closure of Ciampino that would have a very negative impact on internal activities. Hopefully it won't happen.
Norway? Isn't it too small country to create a "major" opportunity?
Portugal? The possible development is pretty much limited to Lisbon, where easyJet is already ahead of FR.
Greece? Well yes. But are they likely to offer terms good enough for Ryanair? Furthermore, long distances to go.
Bulgaria? Wizz is more advanced in that country so far. Apart from commuting workers, the Black Sea coast could indeed handle more tourists, mostly in Summer though.
Cyprus? The source said: “My own view is that the gap between our positions narrowed because Ryanair decided that it could not wait any longer to implement its strategy for the Middle East”. Less than million inhabitants means mostly the inbound and seasonal activity, however.
Russia? Oh yes, the potential is great, but any "future open skies agreement" is still very unlikely. I don't believe FR will enter Russia, they could make some use of the neighbouring countries' airports rather.
Turkey? Although the potential seems good, the flight distances are not very optimal.
Tunisia? Ditto.
Georgia? We learn that Ryanair “is very much interested” in launching flights to Georgia starting from next summer. Vera Kobalia, the Georgian economy minister, met Ryanair executives in Ireland and was told that Georgia should at first upgrade its Kutaisi Airport in its second largest city and to sign a common aviation agreement with EU. Meeting these conditions would pave the way for Ryanair’s entry into Georgia. Fine, but this country is too small and too distant anyway.