The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is making crucial changes that will straight affect the comfort of travel for millions of passengers, especially in Poland. As of August 1, 2025, airlines have increased the acceptable dimensions of free hand luggage, which can be brought on board an aircraft at ticket price. This is simply a consequence to the fresh regulations of the European Union and a step that the carrier welcomed. At the same time, Ryanair announced strategical improvement plans in Poland, focusing on a crucial increase in the number of operations from Warsaw-Modlin airport and negotiating expansion at another key Polish airports. As announced by Michael O’Leary, the Director-General of Ryanair, these changes will not entail increases in ticket prices, which is key information for passengers seeking economical travel.
Greater free hand luggage: Details and entry date
The most noticeable change for passengers is the increase in the dimensions of the free hand baggage that can be taken aboard the aircraft. From 1 August 2025 the permissible size of this baggage will be 40 x 30 x 20 cm. This is an increase compared to the erstwhile dimensions 40 x 25 x 20 cm. Importantly, the fresh dimensions are even somewhat larger than the minimum requirements late agreed by the European Union with the aviation industry, which are set at 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Ryanair points out that it full agrees with the EU proposal and implements it and even somewhat exceeds it. This change is intended to make it easier for passengers to pack and supply more freedom while travelling. The carrier announced that by the end of July 2025 all baggage sizes at the airport gates would be replaced with fresh ones corresponding to increased dimensions.
Michael O’Leary, asked about the possible impact of this change on ticket prices, categorically stated that there will be no request for increases. He besides criticised the European Parliament's thought that each passenger could take 2 pieces of free hand baggage, arguing that "two free hand baggage pieces do not fit on an aircraft" due to limited space. He considered this proposal impossible to implement.
Strategic expansion in Prayer: Investments and fresh routes
Ryanair signed this week a key agreement with the airport Warszawa-Modlin, which assumes a dynamic increase in the operation of the carrier in that port. The nonsubjective is to increase the number of passengers served from the current 1.5 million per year to 5 million in 2030. In order to accomplish this, Ryanair undertook to invest more than $400 million, increase the number of aircraft stationed in the Prayer from 4 to 8 and run at least 25 fresh routes. This investment is besides intended to bring 200 fresh jobs straight related to the activity of the carrier at the airport.
Warsaw-Modlin Airport besides has its obligations under this agreement. The airport is expected to grow the terminal, expanding the number of passenger check-in stations from 4 to 8 and expanding the number of parking spaces for aircraft to 12 by September 2027. The airport besides plans to make 400 fresh jobs in the areas of passenger service, security, services and trade. This strategical cooperation is expected to end the traffic decline observed in fresh years in Modlin (in 2024 the airport saw a decrease in passenger numbers of 20.7% according to ULC) and launch a five-year fast growth programme, which is beneficial for both the carrier and the port itself, located 37 km from the centre of Warsaw.
The future of Ryanair in Poland: Plans for another airports and marketplace prospects
Ryanair's improvement plans in Poland are not limited to Modlin. The carrier actively negotiates with respective another Polish airports in the context of plans for the summertime of 2026. Michael O’Leary announced that in September or October 2025 expects to announce circumstantial improvement plans for at least 3 large Polish bases of the line: Kraków, Gdańsk and Wrocław. In 2026, the increase in the operation will besides evidence Modlin. presently the largest base of Ryanair in Poland is Kraków, where 12 aircraft of the carrier are stationed.
Referring to possible operations from Radom airport, O’Leary expressed skepticism, recognizing the port as “too far from Warsaw” and incapable to replace Chopin Airport and Modina as the main “gate to Warsaw”. The carrier prefers to increase the number of connections at these 2 existing airports, although it did not exclude in the future the launch of 2-3 routes from Radom. The Director-General of Ryanair positively assessed the condition of the Polish economy and the increasing tendency of Poles to travel abroad, while stressing Poland's possible as a destination for tourists from abroad. Ryanair is presently the largest airline in Poland, performing more than 2,000 flights per week from 13 airports, six of which constitute the carrier's base, with a full of 44 aircraft stationed. In 2025, the line plans to transport around 19 million passengers in Poland, being a key player in the local aviation market.
What do these changes mean for passengers in Poland?
The increase in the size of free hand baggage since 1 August 2025 is simply a direct benefit for each passenger of Ryanair. It will let you to take on board a somewhat larger bag or backpack at no extra charge, which can facilitate packing and reduce travel costs for people who have so far had problem getting into smaller sizes. Changes at the airport in Modlin mean a crucial increase in the number of routes and connections available from close Warsaw, which will supply a greater choice of destinations and possibly affect price competitiveness. The announced improvement plans in Kraków, Gdańsk and Wrocław by 2026 propose further growth of Ryanair's offer in key regions of Poland. Passengers from these cities can anticipate fresh routes and more flights in the coming years. The overall expansion of the carrier in Poland shows good prospects for the marketplace and possibly greater availability of low-cost flights, which is affirmative news for all those planning to fly.
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Ryanair announces a baggage revolution. From 1 August free baggage is larger!
