Operating thrice weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) from March and adding an additional Sunday flight from 1^st April, Ryanair will fly the direct route from London Stansted to Lamezia Terme International in the heart of the popular southern region of Calabria.

The latest operating data from the Calabrian airport reveals a 16% increase in passenger numbers, from just over 1.6 million in 2009 to 1.9 million in 2010 with presence of Ryanair expected to boost traffic further in 2011.

Anticipating this demand, plans are underway for the expansion and improvement of facilities at Lamezia Terme including 500 additional parking spaces, construction of a new dedicated “Low Cost Airlines” terminal, new office tower with restaurant and exhibition space, a new airport hotel – Aerotel, and a new reception hall.

As Calabrian property expert and MD of Experience International, Steven Worboys, comments,

“The investment into Lamezia Terme aiport and commitment to new routes from Ryanair and Monarch are encouraging signs for Calabria. Only 3 hours from the UK, the region is a true international property hotspot offering everything that second home owners desire yet prices still remain affordable.”

The strengthening of the Pound against the Euro is also driving the market forward with interest in off-plan developments in particular increasing due to their attractive price points. Napitia Hills for example has been selling strongly with buyers keen to secure the 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom townhouses with panoramic sea views at pre-release prices.

This low density development, perched at the most elevated point of the traditional Calabrian town of Pizzo and just 45 minutes from Lamezia Terme airport, offers the exclusive units from only €75,582 with landscaped gardens, BBQ area and swimming pools on site.