The route to London Stansted will end this autumn. (source: Poprad-Tatry International Airport)
Ryanair will stop flying between Poprad and London Stansted this autumn, halving the number of direct air connections between eastern Slovakia and the United Kingdom, according to Denník N.
The airline confirmed that the route, currently operated on Mondays and Fridays, would not continue into the winter schedule. “This route will operate during the summer 2025 season only,” Ryanair said in a statement, without offering a reason for the change.
The decision leaves Wizz Air’s service to London Luton, which flies twice a week, as the only regular international passenger route from the high-altitude airport beneath the Tatra Mountains. The news is a blow for the region, particularly for Slovaks working in the UK and for the local tourism industry, which benefits from British visitors.
Poprad Airport recorded its strongest year in decades in 2024, closing with a profit and handling over 119,000 passengers – the highest number since 1976.
The news about Ryanair’s withdrawal comes at a difficult moment for the state-run Poprad–Tatry Airport, which has been mired in controversy. Recent investigations revealed that airport bars had sold alcoholic drinks while billing customers for soft drinks – a practice that, according to the national tax authority, violated Slovak law. “We reject any accusations of illegal activity. The operation of the airport’s bars and the sale of goods are conducted strictly in accordance with the law,” the airport said, adding that any identified errors were addressed without delay.
Meanwhile, the airport’s management, led by a politically appointed director from the Slovak National Party, is under scrutiny for having carried out runway repairs without the necessary permits. “We categorically reject any claims of illegal construction or deliberate circumvention of regulations. The repair was carried out professionally, safely, and under constant technical supervision, and it was reported to the relevant building inspector,” the airport said, adding that the runway surface repair became necessary.
Behind the scenes, Ryanair’s withdrawal appears to be linked to a breakdown in marketing cooperation. Airport officials claim that a third-party agency failed to deliver promotional funding for the route. The Swacci agency, whose leadership has ties to a former airport board member, denies any wrongdoing and says the funding shortfalls were caused by delays from public sector partners.
The airport sits at an altitude of 718 metres above sea level, making it the highest commercial airport for short- and medium-haul flights in central Europe.
