Ryanair cuts 1.2 million summer seats amid airport fee dispute with aena

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has sparked fresh controversy by announcing the removal of over 1.2 million summer seats from Spanish regional airports, exacerbating concerns over the country's connectivity during its peak tourist season.

Aena's proposed fee hike sparks ryanair's move

Ryanair's drastic measure comes as the airline intensifies its battle with airport operator Aena over proposed tariff increases for the 2027-2031 period. According to Ryanair, these hikes would leave the airline unprofitable and force it to reconsider its Spanish operations.

While Ryanair claims it can still grow by 40% in Spain, its current strategy of limiting capacity at regional airports is hampering this potential. The airline's stance is that Aena could invest in terminal expansions without passing on the costs to airlines, effectively reducing airport fees.

Ryanair's alternative focus on more competitive markets

As Ryanair's dispute with Aena continues, the airline is shifting its focus to more lucrative markets such as Morocco and Italy, where it has seen growth of 11% and 9%, respectively. Ryanair's CEO Eddie Wilson has stated that these countries offer