Nearly one million fewer seats on flights to and from Spain’s regional airports could be available this winter, following Ryanair’s decision to cut capacity in response to recently announced airport charge increases by the state-controlled operator Aena.
The Irish low-cost carrier said the move comes amid what it calls the ‘indifference’ of the Spanish government, which it accuses of letting regional airport facilities ‘deteriorate and be underused’. Confirming the cuts in comments to the Europa Press news agency, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said: ‘We are going to invest where we can get a return.’
By reducing its presence, Ryanair is aiming to pressure Spain into reforming Aena’s management structure – which is 51% owned by the state – and to boost the competitiveness of regional hubs which, according to the airline, are already ‘almost 70% empty due to a failed tariff structure’. ALSO READ: Ryanair issues ‘league of delays’ table, warning Spain passengers to expect more this summer.
Aena has confirmed it will raise charges by 6.5% by 2026, reaching €11.03 per passenger. Ryanair has condemned this as ‘unjustified and damaging’, pointing out that it comes during a period when Aena is posting record profits and passenger numbers.
The full scale of the cutbacks, including which airports and routes will be affected, is expected to be unveiled next Wednesday by Ryanair group CEO Michael O’Leary. ‘If the airports are empty, that means the price is bad. It’s as simple as that,’ Wilson said.
The airline has voiced ‘deep frustration’ with Madrid, reiterating that government neglect is threatening connectivity for what it calls hollowed-out parts of the country. ‘This will mean fewer passengers, fewer jobs, fewer connections and fewer opportunities for tourism,’ the company warned.
Separately, O’Leary expressed confidence that the courts would overturn a €107 million fine imposed by Spain’s consumer affairs ministry over alleged abusive hand luggage practices. ALSO READ: Spanish court temporarily suspends huge Ryanair ‘abusive practices’ fine.
Speaking in Brussels, he recalled that the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled in 2014 that airlines have the right to set fares without interference, predicting that ‘the fines will be overturned’.
O’Leary, who has repeatedly clashed with consumer affairs minister Pablo Bustinduy – whom he once described as ‘a clown’ – accused the Spanish government of fabricating figures for the penalty. ‘They have pulled the figures out of their sleeves, which is how Bustinduy carries out most of his economic policies,’ he said. ALSO READ: Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary calls Spanish minister a ‘crazy communist’.
‘It is absolutely clear that we believe that the European Commission is going to initiate infringement proceedings against Spain for these baggage fines, which have not yet been explained,’ O’Leary added. While acknowledging he expects to lose in Spain’s own courts, ‘as always happens’, he expressed confidence that the EU’s top court will ultimately rule in Ryanair’s favour. ALSO READ: Ryanair ad campaign depicts Spanish minister as clown in ‘illegal’ fines row.
ALSO READ: Spain fines Ryanair, easyJet and other low-cost airlines for ‘excessive’ hand luggage fees.
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Ryanair anunciará la próxima semana recortes de un millón de plazas en España para el verano en respuesta a Aenahttps://t.co/FDlUspkTMP
— EP Economía (@EPeconomia) August 27, 2025
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