RYANAIR is considering cutting flights from a number of Spanish airports next year.
The low-cost airline warned that it will stop routes next winter if operator Aena does not lower its fees – which could lead to expensive tickets for British holidaymakers.
In an interview with El Economista, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said that regional airports “need low fees to stimulate growth”.
He continued to say that “otherwise the formula will not work”, adding that the company would not invest in loss-making operations.
In January 2025, Ryanair said it would reduce flights at seven regional airports in Spain this summer.
Ryanair blamed “excessive fees” at airports in Spain for its move to reduce and axe flights.
Spanish airport operator Aena increased the fees it charges airlines by 4.09 per cent last year, to make up for inflation.
As a result, Ryanair cut certain routes which this summer has led to the cancellation of some 800,000 passenger seats compared to the previous year.
However, it added 1.5 million seats at popular larger airports such as Madrid, Malaga and Alicante, according to El Economista.
Some routes across Spain have been axed completely which includes Jerez and Valladolid, which impacts British holidaymakers as a route operating from London Stansted.
Airport fees in Spain, which are decided by state-owned Aena, had been frozen in the country since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson previously said: “Aena’s excessive airport charges and lack of viable incentives for growth continue to harm Spain’s regional airports, limiting their growth and leaving huge areas of airport capacity unused.”
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This isn’t good news for anyone heading over to Spain for a break in the sun.
With fewer seats due to cancelled flights, and higher costs from Aena, this could drive up prices of journeys from the UK to Spain.
Sun Travel has approached Aena for comment. The company in January called Ryanair’s arguments “spurious” and said its fees were among the lowest in the region.
Routes across Spain aren’t the only ones that could be scrapped by Ryanair.
Just last month Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary warned the airline could scrap more flights in France over the course of 2025.
Quoted in Le Figaro Mr O’Leary said: “The sad truth is that France is not growing as much [as other European countries].”
It comes after the low-cost airline scrapped its services from Paris-Vatry Airport (Marne) earlier this year.
And last year, Ryanair pulled its services from Bordeaux Airport in a separate dispute over airport fees.
The French Airports Association (Union des Aerports Francais) expects Ryanair to cut service over the next two years.
Recently, Ryanair has launched more flights to Europe from regional UK airport in time for summer.
And the new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year.
