When did Ryanair first operate flights?

Ryanair commenced its first flights in 1985, marking the beginning of its operations as an airline. Initially, the company aimed to serve the route between Waterford in Ireland and London Gatwick Airport. This was a significant moment, as Ryanair was established during a period when the airline industry was undergoing changes, including deregulation in Europe, which eventually allowed for the growth of low-cost carriers. The choice of 1985 is crucial because it reflects the airline's entry into a competitive market and the start of its evolution into one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe. This initial operation set the foundation for Ryanair's expansion into numerous routes and its characteristic business model focused on efficiency and low fares.