@EK77WNCL - Why would you prefer EZY or Iberia to cover the route? Ryanair seem to have more commitment towards NCL by expanding its operations up from only 1 route this time last year to now 12. IB Express wouldn't necessarily have a better schedule, higher fares for sure though.
It's either we have a direct link to MAD or not. A lot more people seem to be trusting Ryanair these days over their improved customer service.
Don't forget we have quite a substantial amount of hub airports including LHR, DUB, CDG, AMS, CPH, DUS, BCN, BRU (in the EU) and finally DXB.
The only gripe I have with Ryanair is their return flight times from certain destinations such as AGP are a tad early.
NE