Ryanair is contemplating further reductions in its operations at Spain’s regional airports for the winter season of 20262027. This consideration arises amidst ongoing disputes with Aena, Spain’s airport operator. Recently, Ryanair has already scaled back approximately three million seats at smaller airports following a downturn that began in summer 2024.
Ryanair’s Position on Regional Airports
CEO Eddie Wilson has voiced strong criticisms of Aena, labeling the current airport model in Spain as “broken.” He emphasized that aside from major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, and the Balearic Islands, many of Spain’s airports are perceived as “empty.” Addressing the potential for future seat reductions, Wilson stated, “Next winter looks bad,” and indicated that further cuts are “inevitable” unless airport pricing changes.
Spanish Government and Pricing Issues
The conflict between Ryanair and Aena centers around airport charges. Ryanair asserts that the government should lower fees at regional airports, which have seen cutbacks in service. Conversely, the Spanish government has accused Ryanair of using intimidation tactics, arguing that the proposed fee increase of €0.68 per passenger is minimal compared to Ryanair’s average 21 percent fare increase. This surge in ticket prices contributed to Ryanair earning €820 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Impact on Ryanair’s Operations in Spain
- Despite reducing services, Ryanair remains committed to the Spanish market.
- Wilson highlighted ongoing investments, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
Earlier this winter, Ryanair canceled one million seats mainly at regional bases. However, the airline is intensifying its focus on key tourist areas. For instance, at Málaga airport, Ryanair announced a strengthened winter schedule featuring 83 routes, including nine new additions. This represents a 7 percent increase in capacity for the Costa del Sol.
New Routes and Increased Frequencies
For winter 2026, Ryanair has planned to launch ten new routes from AlicanteElche Miguel Hernández Airport. The new destinations include:
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Linz and Salzburg, Austria
- Bydgoszcz and Rzeszow, Poland
- Cardiff and Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Stockholm Vasteras and Smaland, Sweden
- Lanzarote, Spain
Additionally, the airline will enhance flight frequencies on routes to wellestablished destinations like Milan, Marrakech, Budapest, and Edinburgh. However, Ryanair has completely eliminated services to Asturias, Santiago de Compostela, and Tenerife North, in addition to scaling back routes in Santander and Zaragoza.
Conclusion
As Ryanair reassesses its position within Spain, the ongoing tensions with Aena highlight significant challenges. The airline aims to remain competitive while navigating these complexities, particularly in balancing costs at regional airports.