Ryanair has announced a significant reduction in its presence at Spain’s regional airports, cutting 1.2 million seats in protest at what it describes as the “high fees” charged by airport operator Aena. The move will see flights to and from Asturias Airport suspended entirely, while the low-cost carrier plans to increase capacity at the country’s larger airports, including Palma, Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga, by 600,000 seats.
The reduction adds to a series of cuts already implemented at regional airports. Last summer, Ryanair removed 800,000 seats, and a further one million were scrapped for the current winter season. The total impact between 2025 and 2026 will see three million seats withdrawn from Spain’s smaller airports.
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, said the decision reflected the airline’s frustration with the economic policies imposed by the Spanish government and Aena at regional facilities. “We remain committed to growing our operations in Spain,” he said, “but regional airports simply do not offer the conditions we need.”
Industry analysts said the move could have a serious impact on regional connectivity and tourism. Smaller airports often rely on low-cost carriers like Ryanair to sustain routes, and the loss of flights may affect local economies that benefit from inbound travel.
Despite the cuts at regional airports, Ryanair’s strategy in major hubs appears robust. By expanding capacity at larger airports, the airline is focusing on high-demand routes while signalling that it will continue to be a dominant player in Spain’s aviation market, albeit one increasingly concentrated in the country’s busiest cities.