Ryanair plans to pull roughly 1 million passenger seats to/from regional Spanish airports in the upcoming winter season, citing a 6.5% hike in Aena airport charges.
The move follows about 800,000 summer seat cuts announced in January and concentrates the squeeze away from big hubs.
Why it’s happening
Ryanair says the decision responds to Aena’s 6.5% fee increase, which the state-controlled operator has linked to expansion plans at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat.
Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson flagged the cuts and said a formal announcement is due next Wednesday (September 3, 2025). Aena has not publicly commented.
What’s already been cut
This winter squeeze comes on top of January’s reductions: Ryanair closed Jerez and Valladolid, and trimmed flying at Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, Zaragoza, Santander and Asturias, removing over 800,000 summer seats across 12 routes.
Who’s likely to feel it
Early reporting points to regional airports bearing the brunt, while large markets such as Madrid, Barcelona and the Balearics may see less impact, though full route lists aren’t yet published. Expect aircraft to be redeployed to lower-cost markets.
What travelers should do now
- Check your booking status: If your flight is canceled, Ryanair must offer refund or reroute options. (Compensation rules vary by notice period under EU261.)
- Consider alternatives: Nearby hubs (e.g., MAD/BCN/PMI) may retain more capacity.
- Lock in prices early: Regional capacity reductions can push fares higher on remaining services.
Bigger picture
Ryanair and Aena have sparred all year over fees and incentives for regional growth. Industry coverage shows the carrier steadily pruning Spain capacity and warning of further cuts if charges rise.
Today’s winter pullback amplifies that trend and could nudge market share toward carriers with stronger positions at Spain’s largest hubs.
