Ryanair Slashes 18% Operations in Spain for Summer 2025
Ryanair, the renowned ultra-low-cost carrier, has announced a significant 18% reduction in its operations within Spain for the Summer 2025 season. This strategic move involves the cancellation of 800,000 passenger seats and the termination of 12 routes across seven regional airports, marking a substantial shift in the airline’s Spanish network.
On January 16, 2025, Ryanair issued a statement attributing the decision to excessive charges and ineffective “incentive plans” imposed by Aena, the Spanish airport operator managing 63 airports, including 48 within Spain. Ryanair criticized Aena for not supporting the government’s regional airport growth policies, stating that the current incentive structures fail to encourage airlines to utilize regional airports effectively.
As part of the reduction, Ryanair will cease operations at Jerez Airport (XRY) and Valladolid Airport (VLL). Additionally, the airline will retire an aircraft based in Santiago and reduce flight frequencies at five other regional airports: Vigo–Peinador Airport (VGO), Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ), Asturias Airport (OVD), and Santander Airport (SDR). These changes reflect Ryanair’s efforts to streamline its operations and focus on more profitable markets.
Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair, emphasized the airline’s frustration with Aena’s policies. “AENA’s decision not to incentivize airlines to use the untapped capacity of its regional airports has forced Ryanair to relocate aircraft and capacity to more competitive European markets, such as Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Hungary, and Morocco, where governments are actively incentivizing growth,” Wilson stated. He further accused Aena of prioritizing investments in airports outside Spain, including those in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the Americas, rather than fostering regional development within the country.
In December 2024, the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) announced that Aena’s passenger charges for 2025 would remain unchanged from 2024 levels, setting the Maximum Adjusted Passenger Income at €10.35 per passenger. While Ryanair supports the CNMC’s decision to freeze rates for 2025, Wilson noted that it does not mitigate the impact of the previous year’s rate hikes and the lack of effective incentives at regional airports.
“We persistently face unjustified rate hikes and a lack of support for regional growth, which undermines our efforts to enhance connectivity, tourism, and employment in Spain’s regional areas,” Wilson added. In response, Ryanair is urging the CNMC to nullify Aena’s 2024 fee increases in alignment with the government’s five-year rate freeze policy. Additionally, the airline is advocating for the implementation of robust incentive packages aimed at attracting airlines to expand connectivity and bolster tourism and employment in regional airports.
Ryanair’s bondholders have backed the airline’s restructuring agreement, which includes a $350 million equity investment and $300 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing. These financial measures are designed to stabilize Ryanair’s operations and support its long-term viability amidst ongoing challenges.
Despite the operational cuts, Ryanair assures its customers that their travel plans will remain uninterrupted. Passengers can continue to book and fly as usual, with all tickets, credits, and loyalty points functioning normally. Furthermore, the airline has committed that employee wages will not be affected by the recent job reductions, which are limited to nonunion positions as part of the broader cost-saving strategy.
Ryanair’s decision to reduce its Spanish operations underscores the broader challenges faced by low-cost carriers in balancing cost efficiencies with competitive pricing and network expansion. As Ryanair navigates through its restructuring phase, the airline remains focused on optimizing its fleet and operations to better align with market demands and regulatory environments.
The impact of these changes will resonate across Spain’s regional airports, potentially affecting local economies and travel patterns. Ryanair’s strategic shift towards more competitive European markets highlights the dynamic nature of the aviation industry and the continual need for airlines to adapt to evolving economic and regulatory landscapes.
As Ryanair moves forward, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the airline’s ability to restore its growth trajectory while maintaining its commitment to providing affordable travel options for its passengers.
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