How does Ryanair manage to keep its costs low?

Ryanair successfully maintains low operational costs primarily by utilizing secondary airports. These airports typically have lower landing and take-off fees compared to major hubs, which allows the airline to minimize one of the most significant expenses in air travel. Additionally, secondary airports often have less air traffic congestion, enabling faster turnaround times for aircraft. This efficiency not only lowers costs but also increases the number of flights the airline can operate within a given timeframe.

In contrast, serving only major cities would generally involve higher operating costs due to more expensive airport fees and increased congestion. The provision of in-flight meals also tends to raise overall expenses, as food service requires additional staff, supplies, and logistics. Lastly, operating large aircraft exclusively might seem economical due to higher capacity, but it can also lead to increased maintenance and operating costs that don’t necessarily align with the low-cost business model Ryanair has effectively adopted. Therefore, the strategy of choosing secondary airports is pivotal to the airline's success in maintaining affordability for its customers.