Ryanair Boosts Engineering Capacity with Major Hangar Expansion at Prestwick Airport Supporting Over 1200 Jobs
(IN SHORT) Ryanair has announced a £40 million investment to expand its maintenance facility at Prestwick Airport, including the construction of a new hangar and additional workshops. The project will increase capacity from six to ten bays, making it the airline’s largest maintenance hub and supporting over 1,200 jobs in Ayrshire. The expansion builds on previous investments, including a training academy, and supports Ryanair’s long-term growth plans to significantly increase its fleet and passenger numbers. Backed by public sector funding and strong regional support, the project is expected to deliver economic benefits and reinforce Prestwick’s role as a key aerospace hub in the UK.
(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN Ireland, 2026-Mar-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Ryanair has announced a £40 million expansion of its aircraft maintenance operations at Prestwick Airport in Scotland, with plans to construct a new 11,938 square metre heavy maintenance hangar alongside additional component workshops. The development will significantly increase the airline’s engineering capacity at the site and reinforce Prestwick’s role within its operational network.
The project will expand the existing facility from six to ten maintenance bays, establishing Prestwick as Ryanair’s largest heavy maintenance hub. The expansion is expected to support more than 1,200 skilled engineering and maintenance roles across Ayrshire, including the creation of hundreds of new positions and apprenticeship opportunities.
The investment forms part of Ryanair’s broader long-term growth strategy, which includes expanding its fleet to 800 aircraft and increasing annual passenger numbers to 300 million by 2034. The additional maintenance capacity at Prestwick will play a key role in supporting this expansion, ensuring the airline can maintain operational efficiency as its fleet continues to grow.
This latest development builds on the airline’s earlier investment in its Prestwick Training Academy, which opened in October 2024 and has already created 500 jobs while delivering training programmes for engineers, mechanics, and support staff. Together, these initiatives highlight Ryanair’s continued commitment to developing aviation skills and infrastructure in the region.
The project has been supported through a combination of public and private investment. The UK Government is contributing funding towards enabling infrastructure as part of a wider £32 million commitment to the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster, aimed at strengthening Ayrshire’s position as a leading centre for aerospace activity. Scottish Enterprise has also approved a significant funding package to support the expansion, alongside additional investment for infrastructure improvements in collaboration with the Scottish Government.
The expansion is expected to deliver a substantial economic impact locally, supporting job creation, skills development, and long-term growth within the aerospace sector. It also reflects continued confidence in the workforce and technical capabilities available in Ayrshire, as well as the region’s importance within the UK’s aviation industry.
Ryanair’s long-standing relationship with Prestwick Airport, which spans more than three decades, is further reinforced through this agreement, including a long-term land lease that enables the construction of the new hangar. The development is expected to strengthen the airport’s position as both a maintenance and training hub while supporting future growth in passenger and operational activity.
SOURCE: Ryanair Group
