Ryanair Brings Back Direct London-Forlì Flights After Nearly Two Decades
Italy continues to captivate global travelers with its timeless allure, from the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance splendor of Florence. In 2025 alone, the country welcomed approximately 104 million international visitors, according to official data from the Italian Ministry of the Interior. However, as popular destinations like Florence implement measures to combat overtourism—such as banning self-check-in keyboxes for short-term rentals—a growing trend sees adventurous tourists exploring lesser-known Italian gems.
Historic Route Returns with Affordable Summer Service
In a significant development for UK travelers, Ryanair has announced the revival of its direct flight route from London Stansted to Forlì, a charming city in the Emilia-Romagna region. This service returns after an 18-year absence, having originally operated between 2001 and 2008 before being discontinued when the airline expanded services to nearby Bologna.
The renewed route will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June through October, providing ample opportunity for extended weekend getaways or longer summer holidays. Early booking examples show remarkably affordable fares, with return flights available for as little as £46 for travel in early June.
Economic and Practical Benefits for Travelers
The reinstatement of this direct connection addresses practical challenges for visitors to Forlì. Previously, the only year-round option from London involved flying to Bologna followed by a 36-minute train journey—plus additional transit via the Marconi Express from Bologna Centrale station at a cost of €12.80 (£11.05) for the seven-minute ride. Summer alternatives included flights to Rimini, approximately 50 minutes by car from Forlì.
Ryanair attributes the route's revival to the elimination of municipal taxes at several Italian airports, including Forlì. These fees, previously ranging from €6.50 (£5.61) to €9 (£7.77) per ticket, had been incorporated into overall flight costs. With Forlì and eight other airports—including Parma—scrapping these charges, Ryanair expands its Italian network to 20 routes, projecting an additional 660,000 passengers annually and a traffic increase exceeding 50%.
Discovering Forlì and Emilia-Romagna's Hidden Treasures
Forlì itself offers visitors a rich historical tapestry, with origins dating back 2,200 years. The city features ancient churches, elegant piazzas, and cultural landmarks like the Museo Civico San Domenico, currently hosting a Baroque art exhibition. History enthusiasts can explore the Rocca di Ravaldino, a fourteenth-century medieval fortress that hosts summer cultural festivals featuring music and cinema.
The surrounding Emilia-Romagna region presents culinary delights that justify the journey. Known for simple dishes crafted from local ingredients, the area offers specialties including:
- Mortadella: A premium ham that inspired the global "baloney" variation
- Parmesan cheese: The authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano from its birthplace
- Piadina: Traditional flatbread often paired with squacquerone, a unique soft cheese
- Tagliatelle al ragù: The authentic version of what's commonly called spaghetti bolognese
Wine connoisseurs will appreciate Sangiovese, a red wine so integral to local culture that in the Romagnol dialect it's simply called "e be"—meaning "the drink." Recommended dining spots include Trattoria 'petito for classic pasta dishes and La Piadineria for rustic regional fare.
Nearby Cesena: Sweet Treats and Cultural Heritage
A short distance from Forlì, the city of Cesena offers additional attractions. Babbi Café, established in 1952, has achieved legendary status for its chocolate spreads, wafers, and year-round ice cream. Cesena's historical significance dates to at least 1321, when Dante referenced it in his works, describing its location "between the plain and the hills."
The city is also home to the Malatestian Library, recognized as the world's oldest public library and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005 for its fundamental role in Cesena's cultural constitution.
This flight revival represents more than just transportation—it's an invitation to experience authentic Italian culture beyond the crowded tourist trails, offering affordable access to a region where history, cuisine, and local traditions create memorable travel experiences.
