Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura: Iberia Express, Volotea and Wizz Air Announces New Routes and More Seats boosting Spain tourism to Canary Islands, Amid Ryanair’s Reduction
Published on
September 5, 2025
Spain’s aviation and tourism sectors gets new boost as Iberia Express, Volotea, and Wizz Air have reaffirmed their dedication amid Ryanair’s controversial seat cutbacks at regional airports. The three low-cost carriers revealed plans to introduce new routes and significantly increase seat capacity in the Canary Islands- Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and other regional airports in Spain, reinforcing the country’s connectivity despite Ryanair’s decision to reduce services. These developments highlight the resilience of Spain’s aviation sector and its ongoing importance in European and global travel.
Ryanair reduces operations by one million
Ryanair, in its announcement, stated that it would reduce operations by one million seats at Spanish regional airports, including major destinations in the Canary Islands such as Tenerife Norte, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria, due to rising fees charged by Aena, Spain’s airport operator. The Irish airline expressed concern over the increased passenger fees, which are set to rise by 0.68 euros per passenger from March 2026, bringing the total to 11.03 euros. This decision has sparked political debates, with Spain’s Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, criticizing Ryanair’s move as “blackmail” and predicting that the airline will continue its operations in Spain despite the cutbacks.
Iberia Express to increase services to Canary Islands
In response, Iberia Express, a subsidiary of the national airline Iberia, announced that it would significantly increase its services to the Canary Islands, adding 30,000 additional seats during the winter season. This includes 116 additional flights and 153 aircraft upgrades to larger models, aimed at maintaining a stable and sustainable operation on the island routes. Iberia Express is particularly focused on increasing its capacity to Tenerife Norte, one of the airports impacted by Ryanair’s reductions. This move will provide 15,000 more seats and increase the frequency of flights from Madrid, with eight daily departures. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Palma will also see more flights, with a total of 4,500 extra seats across these routes.
Iberia Express emphasized its commitment to supporting responsible tourism and the sustainable development of the islands, ensuring that the new services will cater to both the growing demand for travel and the preservation of the islands’ cultural and environmental integrity. With this expansion, Iberia Express aims to provide travelers with more options to visit the Canary Islands while reinforcing its role in Spain’s travel infrastructure.
Volotea to launch new Santander-Granada connection
Volotea, a low-cost carrier known for serving medium-sized European cities, has also expressed interest in capitalizing on the opportunities created by Ryanair’s seat reduction. The airline, which operates primarily from southern European airports, has stated that it is ready to explore new routes that Ryanair is leaving behind. Volotea currently serves the Canary Islands, with routes from airports such as Santander, Zaragoza, and Asturias. The airline is particularly interested in expanding its operations to fill the gap left by Ryanair, particularly in regional airports like Vigo and Tenerife Norte, where Ryanair has announced reductions. In December, Volotea will launch a new Santander-Granada connection, and its fleet will continue to grow, with 3.6 million seats planned for 2025, marking a 10% increase compared to 2024.
In addition to these developments, Volotea is planning to further increase capacity at its main base in Asturias, including a new route to Madrid set to begin in late October. By 2025, Volotea is set to offer 3.6 million seats in Spain, 10% more than the previous year, continuing its growth trajectory and reinforcing its position in the Spanish market.
Wizz Air expands footprint in Spain
Wizz Air, a Hungarian low-cost carrier, is also expanding its footprint in Spain. The airline announced plans to open 40 new routes from 16 Spanish airports over the course of the 2025 winter season. This expansion will add 10 million seats in total, further consolidating Wizz Air’s role in Spain’s aviation industry. The airline has already made significant inroads in the Canary Islands, where it operates from Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura, with 15 routes to 10 destinations across five countries. By August 2025, Wizz Air had transported 6.4 million passengers to and from Spain, a 22.4% increase compared to the previous year. The airline has also added 17.5% more flights, further supporting the growth of Spain’s tourism sector.
Wizz Air’s aggressive expansion strategy aligns with its broader goals to increase its presence in Spain and across Europe, and the airline’s expansion to regional airports is expected to provide more travel options for tourists visiting the Canary Islands and other popular Spanish destinations.
In a nutshell
As the low-cost carrier market in Spain becomes more competitive, Iberia Express, Volotea, and Wizz Air’s announcements signal a new era of resilience in Spain’s aviation and tourism industries. These airlines are working in tandem to offer more flight options, expand regional connectivity, and reinforce their commitment to the Spanish market. With Ryanair’s cuts to regional flights, these carriers are filling the void, ensuring that Spain remains a top travel destination despite the challenges posed by rising airport fees.
The Spanish Government has expressed confidence that Ryanair will continue to operate in Spain, with Minister Óscar Puente asserting that the airline will not abandon the market. Instead, the Government predicts that Ryanair will shift operations from regional airports to larger, more profitable routes, potentially moving one million additional seats to these areas. Ryanair’s decision to “blackmail” the Government with its seat cuts has sparked political debate, but it also highlights the crucial role of low-cost airlines in Spain’s aviation and tourism sectors.
In conclusion, the strategic expansions by Iberia Express, Volotea, and Wizz Air show a unified effort to support Spain’s regional airports and bolster tourism in the Canary Islands. These developments provide travelers with more affordable and accessible options, ensuring that Spain remains a popular destination for tourists across Europe and beyond.
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