Ryanair Cuts One Million Seats on Spanish Routes Over Airport Fees

Ryanair has announced plans to remove around one million seats on flights to and from regional Spanish airports this winter due to a 6.5% increase in airport fees imposed by Aena, Spain’s state-run airport operator.

These fees, covering terminals, runways, and airport services, have significantly raised operating costs for the airline, prompting a strategic reduction of underperforming routes.

Affected destinations include regional hubs and popular holiday spots, potentially impacting British and European tourists seeking winter escapes in Spain.

Aena’s fee increases are partly intended to fund airport expansions in Madrid and Barcelona, which may benefit long-term infrastructure but create short-term pricing pressures for travelers.

Ryanair’s decision highlights the delicate balance between operational costs and maintaining affordable ticket prices for budget-conscious passengers.

Tourism authorities in Spain are now monitoring potential declines in arrivals and considering marketing campaigns to maintain visitor numbers despite airline capacity cuts.