Emirates
CC
True. Most I know head south rather than north to go direct rather than one-stop.
Ryanair
Curious winter schedule seemingly three based but very light flying most days although Tuesday sees six flights from the three based with gaps but six away based flights making 12 equal number of flights to a Thursday or Friday in May.
You certainly wouldn't think an airline such as Ryanair would offer the same number of flights in January as they do in May on certain days.
Pete