By Carol Driver Ryanair could soon be flying to the Middle East and Russia as part of the budget carrier’s plans for expansion. CEO Michael O’Leary has revealed the airline is looking to develop the business in Cyprus, to use it as a hub for flights to destinations including Israel and Jordan. On Monday, reporting a 152 per cent surge in first quarter profits, O’Leary said he would be ‘very keen’ to expand into Cyprus as it was revealed the carrier had submitted an expression of interest in Cyprus Airways at the request of the Cypriot Government. Scroll down for video
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CEO Michael O'Leary said airline wants to use Cyprus as a base
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Will allow carrier to fly to destinations including Israel and Jordan
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Has put in bid for Cyprus Airways but is 'not particularly interested'
@placeholder has struggled to survive against cheaper competitors and has been loss-making for years despite several attempts at a turnaround.