Ryanair has warned it may cut more flights to Spain after airport operator Aena proposed annual fee increases of 3.8% between 2027 and 2031. The low-cost carrier says the rising charges could make some routes unviable, particularly to regional destinations that rely heavily on budget airlines.
Eddie Wilson, Ryanair’s chief executive, said: “Next winter we will make further cuts to regional airport services and I remind you that our total traffic in Spain for this summer will only grow by 0.5% compared to 9% in Italy, 11% in Morocco or 20% in Poland.” He accused Aena of maintaining an “airport monopoly” and claimed regional airports in Spain were often underused.
Wilson warned that if fees continue to rise, even major Spanish airports could become “uncompetitive”, with the airline instead shifting capacity to destinations such as Albania, Sweden, Italy and Morocco where costs are lower. Aena has defended its plans, saying the increases are needed to support a €13bn investment programme across Spain’s airport network, ensuring safety, maintenance and future capacity.
For travellers, the dispute raises the prospect of fewer budget options to Spain at a time when demand for Mediterranean holidays remains strong. Industry observers say the situation highlights a wider pressure across European aviation, as airports and airlines clash over who should absorb rising operational costs.
