Irish airline Ryanair is expanding its services at Cologne/Bonn Airport with a new route to the Italian Adriatic coast, just in time for the peak travel season. Starting June 1, 2026, the city of Rimini will be served three times a week.
What's remarkable about this route is its exclusivity: it's Ryanair's only direct connection to this Italian destination within the airline's entire German network. Flights operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with a flight time of just under two hours using Boeing 737 aircraft.
Cologne Bonn Airport's management sees the new route as an enrichment of the summer flight schedule, as Rimini, a classic seaside resort, has a strong appeal for families and city travelers. In addition to its expansive sandy beaches, the Emilia-Romagna region offers a historic old town and internationally renowned cuisine. For Ryanair, the expansion to Rimini represents a further step in strengthening its offering of low-cost point-to-point connections outside the major hubs and in specifically promoting regional tourism in Italy.
Rimini is the twelfth new destination added to the flight schedule of Cologne/Bonn Airport this year. This continues the airport's growth trajectory and further diversifies its offerings, particularly towards Southern and Southeastern Europe. Other new destinations in the current program include cities such as Bucharest, Belgrade, Trabzon, and Podgorica. By staggering flight times to Rimini from early morning until late evening, the airline is targeting different user groups and increasing flexibility for both short trips and longer holidays.
Industry experts view the inclusion of this specific route as a strategic decision to strengthen the market position in the competition for Italian holiday destinations. Since Rimini is traditionally a popular destination for car tourists from German-speaking countries, the new flight connection offers a time-saving alternative for travelers from North Rhine-Westphalia and neighboring regions. The flights operate through Rimini-Miramare Airport, which, due to its short distances and proximity to the city center, allows for quick onward travel for passengers.