Ryanair has added eight new routes to its European network bringing the total number of routes serviced by the airline to 161.

For the first time the airline will serve airports in northern Spain and Latvia.

The eight new routes are: Stansted-Santander; Stansted-Riga; Stansted-Zaragoza; Rome Ciampino-Santander; Rome Ciampino-Eindhoven; Frankfurt Hahn-Riga; Frankfurt Hahn-Santander and Tampere-Riga.

The routes will become operational between September 20th and December 1st. Starting fares excluding taxes go from 5.99 to 7.99.

Ryanair chief executive Mr Michael O'Leary said: "This year Ryanair will carry more than 27 million passengers who will save 2.7 billion over the high fares of other airlines," he said.

"With the addition of eight new routes and three new great destinations we can bring even more choice to European consumers. It is notable that for the first time Ryanair's low fares will now be available in northern Spain and in Latvia".

He said very strong demand for the routes was expected.