Published on
September 4, 2025
In a big change that could shake up flying across Spain, Ryanair has said it will chop more than a million winter seats for 2025-2026. The Irish low-cost carrier calls the move a response to what it feels is “excessive” and “uncompetitive” airport fees set by Aena, the operator that runs Spain’s main terminals. Ryanair argues that the high costs are forcing it to drop slots, limiting travelers’ choices and raising prices.
Key Airport Reductions and Route Cancellations
The airline, which has a strong presence in Spain, will close its base at Santiago Rosalía de Castro Airport, ceasing all flights to Vigo and Tenerife North. Ryanair will also keep its bases in Valladolid and Jerez closed during the winter season. In addition, capacity reductions will be implemented across several regional airports, including Asturias, Santander, Zaragoza, Vitoria, and various Canary Islands destinations.
The overall reduction is expected to be substantial, with a 41% cut in capacity at regional airports and a 10% decrease in the Canary Islands, impacting approximately 600,000 seats and 400,000 seats, respectively.
Dispute Over Airport Charges
The core issue behind these cuts revolves around the rise in airport charges. Aena’s board recently approved a 6.62% increase in fees, set to take effect in March 2026. These increased fees are expected to cost airlines 68 euro cents (79 U.S. cents) per passenger. Aena justifies the increase as being in line with regulations set by Spanish authorities. However, Ryanair disputes this, arguing that the rise is unjustified given that Aena has reported record profits. The airline also highlights that many regional airports in Spain remain underutilized.
Ryanair’s CEO expressed concern that these fee hikes would disproportionately harm Spain’s already vulnerable regional airports. According to Ryanair, the increase could make several routes financially unfeasible, leading to job losses, reduced connectivity, and less investment in local economies.
Impact on Regional Airports and Local Economies
The reduced capacity in Spain’s regional airports is expected to have a far-reaching impact, not only on the airline industry but also on the tourism sector. Many of these airports serve key destinations in Spain that rely heavily on low-cost carriers like Ryanair for both domestic and international tourists. With the reduction in flight availability, many travellers may need to adjust their plans, potentially causing inconvenience and a drop in tourism to these regions.
The situation is especially challenging for regions that have been seeking to build up their tourism profiles, as the cutbacks could result in a loss of direct flight connections. With fewer routes to choose from, international tourists may opt for other destinations, leaving smaller Spanish airports with reduced footfall and financial instability.
Growth in Other Regions
Despite these cutbacks, Ryanair is focusing on expanding its presence in other Spanish airports. Cities such as Alicante, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Valencia are expected to see growth in Ryanair’s winter 2025-2026 flight schedules. In fact, the airline’s overall capacity for summer 2025 in Spain has grown by 3.6% compared to the previous year. This shift in focus suggests Ryanair’s commitment to maintaining its strong foothold in Spain, but it also highlights how certain regions are becoming more attractive than others for both Ryanair and travellers.
What Travellers Need to Know
For those planning to fly with Ryanair during the winter 2025-2026 season, especially to regional destinations in Spain, it is important to be aware of potential route cancellations. Ryanair has already warned that routes to airports like Vigo, Santiago, and Tenerife North will no longer operate, so travellers will need to adjust their plans accordingly.
Passengers affected by the cuts should look for alternative flight options, as Ryanair is redirecting its regional traffic to other airports across Europe, particularly in Italy, Morocco, and Hungary. These destinations may offer more competitive airport charges and greater long-term traffic growth potential.
For those still planning to travel to Spain’s popular cities, Ryanair’s services in destinations like Alicante, Lanzarote, and Valencia will continue to operate, ensuring connectivity remains intact in some key regions.
How This Affects Spanish Tourism
The ongoing dispute between Ryanair and Aena is symptomatic of broader concerns in Spain’s aviation and tourism sectors. Many regional airports are highly reliant on low-cost carriers, which allow a greater volume of passengers to access areas that might otherwise be difficult to reach. With rising costs and fewer flight options, Spain’s tourism sector could see shifts in travel patterns, particularly from international visitors who are increasingly looking for cost-effective and direct flight options.
The Way Forward
Ryanair and Aena are still at odds over the future of Spain’s regional airports. Aena argues it can only upgrade the runways, terminals, and other facilities with bigger fees, while Ryanair insists those higher charges will scare away visitors and damage local economies for years. The fight is noisy now, but it’s only getting louder.
Winter 2025-2026 is only two seasons away, so all of us–airline planners, holiday bookers, and, yes, the travel apps we love–need to pay attention to any new turns in the feud. Ryanair is already telling clients it will move aircraft away from the affected airports, cutting capacity and visibly changing the air travel map in Spain. If you’re hunting for a beach holiday or a ski break, now is still an excellent time to check your options and plan ahead. The sooner you adapt, the less disappointed you’ll be.
Image Credits: ryanair
