High Fees Jeopardize Regional Connectivity
Ryanair is once again warning of network cuts at small and medium airports across Spain. The airline says high airport fees make regional routes unsustainable without proper incentives for growth.
CEO Eddie Wilson urged airport operator Aena to reduce charges to support traffic and regional development. “These airports need low fees to stimulate growth,” Wilson told El Economista. “Otherwise, the formula will not work.”
He warned that Ryanair will not invest in routes that consistently lose money due to excessive operating costs. This summer, Ryanair will reduce flights at seven regional Spanish airports, cutting about 800,000 seats compared to 2024.
Unless Aena reconsiders its pricing, those cuts will go ahead, Wilson confirmed. The airline is also considering further reductions next winter and in 2026 if the issue continues.
Major Hubs Gain While Smaller Airports Lose Out
At the same time, Ryanair added 1.5 million seats at larger hubs like Madrid, Malaga, and Alicante. This shift highlights its strategy to focus on profitable routes while avoiding high-cost regional operations. Despite the cuts, Ryanair remains Europe’s biggest airline by passenger numbers and continues growing in key markets.
Ryanair previously claimed that Aena increased fees annually, despite a five-year government-imposed freeze on airport charges. Aena dismissed Ryanair’s arguments as “spurious” and said its fees remain among the lowest in the region. The standoff between Ryanair and Aena could impact regional connectivity and tourism across Spain.
Without a compromise, regional airports may struggle to attract and retain low-cost carriers like Ryanair. The dispute underscores broader tensions between budget airlines and airport operators across Europe. As demand for affordable travel grows, so does pressure on airports to offer competitive pricing structures.
Travelers and regional economies may feel the effects if no agreement is reached in the coming months. Ryanair’s next move will depend heavily on whether Aena revises its approach to regional airport fees.