Ryanair and Erasmus Student Network Renew Partnership for the 2025–2026 Academic Year, Offering Students Affordable Travel Options Across Europe
Ryanair, Europe’s largest and most popular low-cost airline, and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), one of the continent’s leading student exchange and mobility organisations, have officially announced the renewal of their exclusive partnership for the 2025–2026 academic year. The announcement, made on Wednesday, 13 August, marks the ninth consecutive year of collaboration between the two organisations, underlining their shared commitment to making travel more affordable and accessible for students participating in educational exchange programmes.
Since the partnership’s inception, Ryanair and ESN have worked hand in hand to remove financial barriers for students wishing to travel within Europe during their academic exchange periods. This long-standing relationship has already benefited thousands of young people who have been able to explore new destinations, immerse themselves in different cultures, and enhance their educational experiences — all at significantly reduced travel costs.
What the Partnership Offers
Under the renewed agreement, students registered with the Erasmus Student Network will continue to enjoy a host of travel benefits through a dedicated booking platform on Ryanair’s official website, Ryanair.com. These benefits are specifically designed to meet the needs of students who are frequently travelling between their home country and their study destination, as well as those who wish to explore other parts of Europe during their exchange.
Key advantages of the partnership include:
- 10% Discount on Flights: Registered ESN members can receive a 10% discount on up to four one-way flights (or two round trips) per academic year. This discount applies across Ryanair’s extensive route network.
- Free 20kg Checked Baggage: In addition to discounted fares, students can travel with a free 20kg checked-in bag on each eligible booking. This allowance is especially valuable for students who often carry textbooks, personal items, and seasonal clothing between countries.
- Access to 235+ Destinations: Ryanair’s industry-leading network spans over 235 destinations across Europe and beyond, giving students ample opportunities to combine their academic commitments with cultural exploration.
All bookings under this scheme must be made through the exclusive Erasmus booking portal available on Ryanair.com, ensuring that only verified ESN members receive the benefits.
Perfect Timing for the Academic Year Ahead
With the 2025–2026 academic year about to commence, the announcement comes at an ideal time for students preparing to embark on their Erasmus journeys. Many participants are in the midst of finalising travel arrangements, and this renewed partnership ensures that they can do so without overstretching their budgets.
Whether students are travelling to their host university for the first time, returning home for the holidays, or taking short trips to neighbouring countries during semester breaks, Ryanair’s extensive network and budget-friendly fares make it possible to do so affordably.
Statements from Ryanair and ESN Leaders
The importance of this collaboration was reinforced by comments from both organisations’ leadership teams.
Jade Kirwan, Ryanair’s Director of Communications, expressed the airline’s pride in extending the relationship:
“Ryanair is pleased to announce the extension of our exclusive partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) for the 2025–2026 academic year, further supporting student mobility by offering registered ESN students across Europe a range of exclusive flight offers, including generous discounts and free baggage options. As Ryanair continues to grow and invest in Europe, we are delighted to support the EU flagship Erasmus programme and the incredible opportunities offered to their student members.”
Kirwan’s remarks highlight Ryanair’s role not only as a transport provider but also as a partner in Europe’s educational and cultural exchange landscape.
From the ESN side, Rui Vinha, Treasurer of the Erasmus Student Network, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment:
“This is another year of commitment from ESN and Ryanair to provide easier and affordable travels for students to their mobility destinations.”
A Partnership That Transforms Student Mobility
For many students, participating in the Erasmus programme is a life-changing experience. It offers the chance to study in a foreign country, adapt to a new culture, and forge friendships across borders. However, the cost of travel can sometimes limit these opportunities. By offering significant discounts and free luggage allowances, Ryanair and ESN help ensure that the financial burden is lighter, making the dream of studying abroad more attainable for a wider group of students.
This initiative is particularly impactful given the rising costs of living and transportation in many European cities. Affordable flights mean that students can return home more often without worrying about excessive expenses, and they can also take advantage of their time abroad to explore the rich diversity of Europe’s landscapes, history, and traditions.
The Role of Ryanair in European Student Travel
Ryanair, often referred to as Europe’s No.1 airline by passenger numbers, has built a reputation for connecting secondary cities with major hubs at low prices. Its business model has made it a preferred choice for budget-conscious travellers, including students. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry and continues to expand routes, giving travellers more options each year.
By maintaining a focus on affordability, Ryanair plays a crucial role in supporting student mobility. For Erasmus students in particular, the airline’s extensive destination map makes it possible to combine academic obligations with leisure travel, ensuring a more well-rounded exchange experience.
The Impact of the Erasmus Programme
The Erasmus+ programme, funded by the European Union, is designed to promote education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. It provides opportunities for students to study or gain work experience in another country, thereby enhancing language skills, cultural understanding, and employability.
The partnership with Ryanair directly supports the programme’s goals by making it easier for students to travel between their home country and their host institution. In addition, the ability to visit other countries during their time abroad adds to the programme’s mission of fostering cross-cultural exchange.
As Ryanair and ESN celebrate nearly a decade of collaboration, both organisations remain committed to evolving the partnership in ways that continue to meet students’ needs. With technological advancements in booking platforms and growing expectations for sustainable travel, there may be opportunities in the future to expand benefits, incorporate greener travel initiatives, or introduce more flexible booking options.
For now, the renewed agreement ensures that thousands of Erasmus students will have reliable, affordable travel options throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. Whether it’s a first-year student nervously heading to their host city, a seasoned traveller ticking another destination off their bucket list, or someone simply making a weekend trip to reconnect with friends, this partnership helps make it possible.
The continuation of the Ryanair–Erasmus Student Network partnership into its ninth year is a significant win for European student mobility. By combining Ryanair’s expansive, low-cost flight network with ESN’s mission to support and empower exchange students, the collaboration delivers tangible benefits that go beyond just cheaper tickets. It enables students to make the most of their Erasmus experience, travel widely, and build lifelong memories — without the worry of prohibitive travel costs.
For more information or to book discounted flights, ESN members can visit the dedicated Erasmus portal at Ryanair.com and start planning their journeys for the year ahead.