Published on
October 10, 2025
Low-cost airline Ryanair has announced significant cuts to its flight schedule in Spain for the summer of 2026, reducing seat availability by 1.2 million. This move comes as part of the airline’s broader strategy to combat rising costs at Spanish airports, particularly those managed by the government-run group Aena. As a result, the airline will no longer operate flights to or from Asturias Airport, located in northern Spain. The decision has sparked controversy, with Ryanair criticizing Aena’s rising fees for regional airports, which they argue are making operations unprofitable.
These cuts are not isolated incidents; Ryanair had previously reduced a similar number of seats in Spain for the winter of 2025. The airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has expressed dissatisfaction with Spain’s airport policies and has called for changes to the airport fee structure to maintain growth in the region.
Ryanair’s Cuts: A Closer Look at the Impact
The 1.2 million seat reduction is expected to affect several Spanish airports, particularly in the regions with lower passenger traffic. Ryanair has been the largest airline operating out of many of these airports, and these cuts represent about 10% of the airline’s summer seat capacity in Spain. The company plans to shift its focus to major airports in Italy, Morocco, Croatia, Hungary, and Sweden.
These changes are seen as a direct response to Aena’s planned fee increases, which Ryanair claims will continue to stifle competition in the regional air travel market. Aena, however, defends its pricing policies, arguing that Spain’s airport system remains competitive, with the country’s air traffic continuing to grow despite Ryanair’s departures.
What’s Driving Ryanair’s Decision?
Ryanair’s decision to slash services in Spain is largely driven by what it perceives as an unsustainable cost structure at regional airports. Aena, the Spanish airport management authority, has raised fees for smaller airports, many of which are underused and struggling to attract passengers. In particular, Asturias Airport will be entirely removed from Ryanair’s network. This marks a significant loss for the region, as the low-cost carrier has been an important provider of affordable travel options.
Aena plans to increase fees by 7% in 2026, which Ryanair views as an unfair burden on low-cost airlines. The fee hike is expected to disproportionately impact smaller airports, which already operate with lower passenger volumes, making it difficult to maintain affordable flights. As part of its strategy, Ryanair plans to reallocate its routes to more cost-effective airports in other European and North African countries.
Ryanair’s Call for Reform
Ryanair has repeatedly voiced its dissatisfaction with the current fee structure, calling for a reduction in the charges applied at regional airports. O’Leary has made it clear that unless these fees are adjusted, Ryanair will continue to scale back its operations in Spain, potentially affecting tourism and regional economies.
While Ryanair has cut back on services to Asturias and other smaller airports, the airline has also hinted that it might return to regional airports once fee structures are reformed. This shows the airline’s commitment to supporting Spain’s regional tourism, but only if the financial environment becomes more favorable.
Aena’s Response to the Cuts
In response to Ryanair’s decision, Aena has emphasized that Spain’s airport system remains competitive despite the cuts. Aena’s Executive Vice President, Javier Marín, argued that other airlines would fill the void left by Ryanair and that the Spanish airport model remains one of the most successful in Europe. He also pointed out that Spain continues to lead Europe in terms of air traffic volume, attributing much of this success to the country’s strong regional airport network.
However, Marín did not provide any details on potential changes to airport fees in light of Ryanair’s departure. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Ryanair’s calls for reform will gain traction among Spanish policymakers.
What Should Travelers Do?
For those planning trips to Spain in summer 2026, it’s important to monitor the latest announcements from Ryanair and Aena. Travelers who were hoping to fly out of regional airports like Asturias may need to adjust their plans, looking for alternatives at larger airports in Spain or other nearby countries. To avoid the disruption caused by these seat cuts, it’s advisable to book flights early and keep an eye on potential route changes.
Alternatives to Ryanair’s Routes
Although Ryanair is scaling back its services, there are still plenty of options for travelers looking to fly to Spain. Other low-cost airlines, such as Vueling, easyJet, and Norwegian, continue to operate a wide range of domestic and international flights. Additionally, Spain’s larger airports like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville remain popular entry points for international travelers. If Ryanair’s cuts are impacting your plans, these alternatives could offer similar routes and pricing.
For those still keen on visiting Asturias, regional airlines may offer flights that could fill the gap left by Ryanair. It’s important to check with local travel agents for any new services that might be introduced.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2026
While Ryanair’s decision to cut flights in Spain signals ongoing tensions with Aena over airport fees, it also highlights the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in maintaining profitable operations at smaller airports. With the airline threatening further reductions unless fee structures change, the outcome of this dispute could have long-term consequences for the regional tourism industry in Spain. As travelers adjust to these changes, it’s important to stay informed about the evolving situation to avoid any disruptions.
