DUBLIN- Ryanair (FR) is locked in a heated dispute with Spain’s airport operator Aena over planned fee increases set for 2026, which will lead to flight cuts to Spain. The clash has escalated beyond normal airline regulator tensions, with unusually harsh statements from both sides.
The Irish low-cost carrier is cutting flights to Spanish destinations (MAD, BCN, AGP) this winter, citing higher costs, while Aena, backed by the Spanish government, accuses the airline of extortion, dishonesty, and intimidation.
Photo: By kitmasterbloke – https://www.flickr.com/photos/58415659@N00/51752028899/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114422105Ryanair Cuts Spain Flights
Ryanair (FR), Europe’s largest low cost airline, is sharply reducing its operations in Spain in response to Aena’s plan to raise airport fees by 6.62% in 2026, the highest increase in a decade.
According to Aena, the additional revenue is vital to maintain and upgrade airport infrastructure across the country’s extensive network, which includes major hubs such as Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), and Malaga (AGP).
Ryanair, on the other hand, has characterized the move as a “tourism catastrophe.” The airline argues that raising costs for carriers during a competitive travel market will discourage visitors.
The airline has already removed one million seats from its winter schedule, closed one base, and suspended services at three airports. Additionally, Ryanair is reducing capacity at four other airports and cutting a total of 36 routes, calling the decision by Aena a “tourism catastrophe.”
According to OMAAT, Ryanair argues that airports in regional Spain are already underutilized, with some operating at nearly 70% capacity. The airline claims higher fees will worsen this problem, driving down demand and harming the country’s tourism sector.
Photo: PxfuelAena’s Rebuttal to Ryanair
In an unusually direct and lengthy statement, Aena accused Ryanair of dishonesty, manipulation, and using intimidation tactics against democratic institutions.
The operator highlighted that the average increase per passenger would amount to just €0.68, a figure it described as negligible when compared to Ryanair’s average fare hike of 21% over the past year.
Maurici Lucena, Aena’s CEO, argued that passenger demand is not influenced by such marginal fee changes.
He emphasized that Ryanair, despite its criticisms, continues to benefit from operating in Spain and does so voluntarily: “No supernatural demonic force compels Ryanair to be one of Aena’s biggest customers.”
Aena also underscored that its airport model is considered successful by global experts and ensures financial sustainability without burdening taxpayers. It accused Ryanair of seeking short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term stability.
FILE PHOTO: A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 airplane takes off from the airport in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, July 29, 2018. REUTERS/Paul Hanna/File PhotoImplications for Spain’s Aviation
The dispute raises concerns about the balance between low-cost airlines and public infrastructure needs.
Ryanair’s aggressive cost-control model has undeniably expanded affordable travel across Europe, but its confrontational approach with regulators often leads to high-profile conflicts.
For Spain, which relies heavily on tourism, maintaining affordable air connectivity is essential. However, ensuring airports remain modern, safe, and capable of handling future traffic growth also requires consistent investment.
Aena insists its fee adjustments are designed with these priorities in mind, while Ryanair maintains that passengers will ultimately pay the price.
Industry observers note that similar disputes have played out in other European markets, often with Ryanair threatening route cuts before eventually maintaining or restoring services once negotiations conclude. Whether this clash will follow that pattern remains to be seen.
easyJet and Ryanair at Kefalonia Airport; Photo- Bottom Line
Ryanair’s decision to slash flights in Spain highlights the ongoing struggle between low-cost airlines seeking minimal operating expenses and regulators tasked with safeguarding infrastructure.
Spain’s firm stance, backed by Aena’s sharp public statements, signals that this confrontation is far from over.
The outcome will likely influence not only Spain’s aviation market but also broader European debates on how to balance affordability, competition, and infrastructure funding.
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