Ryanair plane. Credit: Pixabay.
Europe’s largest airline, Ryanair, has announced that it will drastically reduce its summer 2025 schedule in Spain, citing “excessive fees” charged by state-run airport operator Aena.
As stated in Ryanair’s press release on January 16th, the low-cost airline plans to reduce capacity by 18% across its 12 routes, resulting in an 800,000 seat reduction compared to last summer. It will be cancelled. Meanwhile, the airline is expanding its operations in Poland. , including a new route from Lublin to Barcelona.
Reduced Ryanair flights in Spain
Ryanair will permanently suspend operations in Jerez and Valladolid and reduce flights to several regional airports, including:
- Vigo: -61%
- Santiago de Compostela: -28%
- Zaragoza: -20%
- Asturias: -11%
- Santander: -5%
The airline attributed the price cuts to Aena’s “monopoly” fare structure and lack of incentives to foster regional growth. Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair DAC, said: “AENA’s excessive airport charges and lack of effective incentives for growth continue to have a negative impact on Spain’s regional airports, limiting their growth. However, vast areas of airport capacity remain unused.” He also criticized Aena for prioritizing investments outside Spain, including “airports in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and the United States.”
The decision follows years of complaints about fare hikes by Ryanair. Spanish government freezes airport fees until 2026. Aena’s refusal to offer an effective incentive package has forced Ryanair to redirect production capacity to other European markets where governments are encouraging growth, including Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Hungary and Morocco. It is claimed that
But Aena responded to Ryanair’s claims, saying its average fare of €10.35 per passenger was “among the cheapest in Europe”. According to the report, the airport operator called Ryanair’s criticism “a false argument designed to confuse citizens and put pressure on public institutions.” Reuters.
Ryanair’s growth in Poland
Ryanair is cutting flights in Spain while strengthening its presence in Poland, where it remains a top airline. As part of its summer 2025 schedule, the airline has announced a new route from Lublin to Barcelona, which will operate twice weekly from March 31, 2025.
This is an exciting opportunity for Polish travelers to visit one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. “Barcelona offers everything: a unique atmosphere, cuisine, culture and art,” Alisha Wojcik Golembioska, Ryanair’s country manager for Central and Eastern Europe, said in a press release.
Spain sets record number of tourists in 2024According to , 309 million passengers use Aenas Airport. RTEemphasizes the importance of connection.
Ryanair called on Spain’s competition authority CNMC to align Aena’s accusations with the government’s five-year freeze and introduce an effective incentive package. “Without urgent action, Spain risks losing further capacity and investment to more competitive markets,” Wilson warned.
