The budget carrier launched its first flights from the South West city in 1998

Budget carrier Ryanair says it has reached a “significant milestone” after carrying more than 30 million passengers through Bristol Airport.

The airline launched its first flights from the city in 1998, later opening a base at the South West transport hub.

Ryanair now has five B737 aircraft based at Bristol, which it says represents a $500m investment and supports more than 1,400 local jobs.

This summer, Ryanair is operating its biggest ever schedule from Bristol, with more than 330 weekly flights across 36 routes, including a new route to Bari in Italy.

It also flies to other sun hotspots from Bristol Airport including Malaga, Tenerife and Venice, as well as cities such as Budapest, Krakow and Madrid.

Jade Kirwan of Ryanair said: “This significant milestone showcases Ryanair’s continued investment and growth in the region – including our 5 aircraft base – delivering important low-fare connectivity, traffic, tourism, jobs, and economic growth.”

Bristol Airport’s chief executive, Dave Lees, who announced in April that he was stepping down, said: “30 million Ryanair passengers travelling through Bristol Airport is a brilliant milestone and testament to our long-standing partnership of more than 25 years, offering routes that people in the South West and Wales enjoy travelling too as well connecting many families and friends in Ireland, with relatives in the region.”

Last month, Ryanair said it was better placed to ride out the looming jet fuel crisis than its European rivals.

The Dublin-based company revealed that 80 per cent of its jet fuel requirements for the year ahead are locked in at $67 per barrel, while current market prices continue to fluctuate – often above the $100 mark.

The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict has pushed global jet fuel shipments to their lowest level on record, potentially forcing the cancellation of thousands of summer flights.

But Ryanair has maintained that Europe “remains well supplied” via routes through West Africa, the Americas and Norway. Despite this boss Michael O’Leary has admitted the situation has “created economic uncertainty”.