Ryanair cuts Spain operations: Ryanair has announced major cuts in its Spanish operations for summer 2025, blaming high airport fees set by Aena, Spain’s airport operator. The airline will reduce 800,000 seats, 18% of its total Spanish market, and discontinue 12 routes.
Regional Airports Face the Brunt of the Cuts
The reductions will mainly affect smaller regional airports in Spain. Jerez and Valladolid will lose all Ryanair services. In Valladolid, only Binter Canarias will continue limited flights to Gran Canaria. Jerez will still have connections to Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria through other carriers like Binter, Air Nostrum, and Vueling.
Other regional airports will also see cuts. Vigo will lose 61% of its Ryanair capacity, while Santiago will lose 28%. Smaller reductions will hit Zaragoza, Asturias, and Santander. However, Ryanair plans to boost operations at larger airports like Madrid and Barcelona.
Dispute Over Airport Fees
Ryanair has criticized Aena for charging high airport fees, arguing that they make regional flights unsustainable. Aena defends its fees, saying they are among the lowest in Europe. In 2024, the fee was frozen at €10.35 per passenger. Aena has also introduced a subsidy program for regional airports with fewer than three million passengers, which could cut Ryanair’s fees to as low as €2 per passenger.
Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson argues that Aena’s incentives are insufficient and that the airline must focus on more competitive markets. Aena, however, accuses Ryanair of using aggressive tactics to push for lower fees or free access to Spanish airports.
Is Ryanair’s Strategy More Than About Fees?
Aena and analysts suggest that Ryanair’s cuts may be a strategic move. Aena points out that Ryanair’s regional flights have high occupancy levels, contradicting claims of unprofitability. Despite the cuts, Ryanair increased its overall Spanish operations by 8.7% in 2024 and plans a 5% increase in 2025.
Aena believes Ryanair is using the cuts to pressure both the airport operator and the Spanish government. The airport operator even suggested that Ryanair’s actions might violate Spanish law.
Rising Costs in Aviation
The dispute reflects broader challenges in the aviation sector. Rising costs for fuel, staffing, and services have led to higher airfares, with airlines passing these costs onto passengers. However, airport charges in Europe have risen by only 13.6%, putting pressure on airports to cover their costs.
Ryanair criticized a €0.40 increase in Aena’s 2024 fee, although a proposed €0.05 rise for 2025 was rejected by regulators.
What’s Next for Regional Airports? – Ryanair cuts Spain operations
Although the cuts make up just 1.21% of Ryanair’s total traffic in Spain for 2024, they will have a big impact on regional airports. Jerez and Valladolid will face fewer travel options, which could hurt local economies and tourism.
Aena insists that Ryanair’s demands could harm the long-term financial health of Spain’s airport system. Despite Ryanair’s push, Aena believes the airline wants free use of Spanish airports. With Ryanair expanding at major hubs, regional airports may need new strategies to stay competitive.