Ryanair is planning to open its 50th base in Cyprus in April which operate two aircraft on 14 routes.

Ryanair is investing over $140 million at Paphos Airport which the airline claims will deliver over 600,000 passengers p.a. and sustain over 600 jobs with over 80 weekly flights.

Ryanair’s Paphos routes will begin when the base opens in April 2012 and will be available for booking on www.ryanair.com tomorrow.

Ryanair’s Michael Cawley said: “Ryanair is delighted to announce Paphos as our 50th base with 14 routes beginning in Aprilnext which go on sale on www.ryanair.com tomorrow.

“He added: “Cypriot consumers/visitors can now beat the recession and escape Cyprus Airways high fares by switching to Ryanair’s lowest fares and our no fuel surcharge guarantee to 14 exciting destinations all over Europe including Germany, Italy and Sweden among others. Ryanair’s 600,000 passengers p.a. will sustain up to 600 jobs in Paphos”

Alfred Van der Meer, Hermes Airport Group Chief Executive, said:“This is a great vote of confidence in the potential of both the airport and our region from Europe’s largest airline. Today’s announcement will help create much needed jobs and tourism and shows that Ryanair shares our confidence in the tremendous opportunity for strong market growth at the airport.”