“The network here is quite expansive and that has come in quite a short time, over the past four or five years.

“The Polish market is quite key for Liverpool with a strong Polish community and we will continue to grow where it makes sense and we are talking to airports to make that happen.”

JLA spokesman Robin Tudor said Ryanair’s latest investment was vital to the airport’s development, particularly its proposals to extend passenger and security facilities as part of a £12m expansion scheme.

He said: “In the current climate, we are still not out of the woods and it is a tough environment for any airport.

“So, to see Ryanair’s commitment with new routes and networks is a sign of Ryanair’s commitment to the region.”

He added: “They can grow services out of here, whereas in other airports there have been cutbacks or no growth, so the region is a real winner.

“The extra capacity ties in neatly with development works we hope to start in time for the summer. Ryanair’s growth is very important for that development.”

Helping announce Ryanair’s expansion was Hannah Darbyshire, part of the airline’s Liverpool crew, who features as Miss January in the company’s annual charity calendar.