Low cost carrier Ryanair is to fly twice-weekly between Liverpool and a medieval destination in Eastern Europe from October 25. Tony McDonough reports

Low cost airline Ryanair is announcing new route out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) for its winter schedule.

Starting on October 25, the carrier will operate a twice-weekly service between Liverpool and Kosice in Slovakia, city close to the border with Hungary with a history stretching back to medieval times.

Ryanair is increasing the number of routes out of LJLA, despite having to cut frequency on other routes due to the COVID-19 crisis. LBN revealed last month that Liverpool will lose 14 Ryanair flights a week to destinations in Ireland Spain and Portugal after the airline slashed its autumn capacity by 20% for September and October.

On Wednesday, the Dublin-based carrier published passenger numbers for August showing a year-on-year fall of 53% to 7m, as the COVID pandemic continues to have a severe impact on the aviation sector.

Kosice’s Lower Gate archaeological complex preserves fortifications from the 13th century and the city’s main square is home to two Gothic churches, St Elisabeth Cathedral and the 14th century St Michael Chapel.

Ryanair has launched a seat sale with fares available from just £25.99, for travel until the end of December 2020, which must be booked by midnight on Friday, September 5. Ryanair’s Eimear Ryan said: “Ryanair is pleased to launch a new Liverpool to Kosice route , which will operate twice weekly as part of our winter 2020 schedule. Customers in Liverpool can now book flights to Liverpool as far out as March 2021.”