Ryanair Announces Major Cuts to Spanish Routes Amid Rising Airport Fees

Ryanair has announced a significant change to its 2025 schedule, affecting over 17 million UK travellers who frequently visit Spain for holidays.

The airline is reducing or cancelling flights to seven Spanish destinations, citing “unjustified” airport fee hikes as the reason behind the decision.

Side view of the Cathedral of Jerez de la Frontera
If you were planning to see the sites in Jerez youll have to find an alternative route Picture Getty Images

Complete Route Closures

Ryanair plans to completely cease operations to and from:

  • Jerez (Cádiz)
  • Valladolid

Reduced Flight Operations

Additionally, there will be reduced flights for the following destinations:

  • Vigo
  • Santiago de Compostela
  • Zaragoza
  • Santander
  • Asturias

The specific routes to be scaled back have not yet been disclosed. This adjustment translates to 800,000 cancelled flights and an 18% reduction in Ryanair’s Spanish operations.

Lastres, Asturias (Spain) June, 2023
While flights to Asturias are being reduced Picture Getty Images

Aena’s Role in Rising Costs

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson attributed the decision to Aena, Spain’s state-controlled airport operator, which has implemented “excessive and unjustified” increases in airport charges. These fees, which airlines pay to use airport facilities, were reduced during the pandemic but have since seen continuous hikes.

Wilson criticized Aena, stating:

“Aena’s excessive airport charges and lack of workable growth incentives continue to undermine Spain’s regional airports, limiting their growth and leaving vast swathes of airport capacity underutilized.”

He further accused Aena of neglecting Spain’s regional growth while focusing on foreign investments in airports across the Caribbean, UK, and Americas.

Aena Responds

In response, Aena claimed its average airport fee of €10.35 (£8.75) per passenger remains “among the lowest in Europe.”

Impact on Tourism and Pilgrimage Hotspots

The affected destinations are significant tourist hubs:

  • Santiago de Compostela attracts over 400,000 pilgrims annually due to its religious importance as the believed burial site of Saint James the Apostle. Pilgrimages have surged post-pandemic, from just 54,144 visitors in 2020 to 446,035 in 2023.
  • Zaragoza, known for its rich history, festivals, and gastronomy, draws 1.1 million tourists annually.
  • Jerez sees over a million visitors yearly, with highlights like the Spanish Grand Prix hosted at its racetrack.

Alternative Destinations Remain

Despite these cuts, travellers can still access popular Spanish cities like Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Seville. Ryanair offers affordable one-way fares to Barcelona in June for just £24.99.

Hazy sunset on monumental Santiago de Compostela cathedral and cityscape.
Santiago de Compostela cathedral is a very sacred place and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims Picture Getty ImagesiStockphoto

This decision underscores the challenges posed by rising operational costs and highlights the competitive landscape among European airports.

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Ann
Admin Officer, blogger, freelancer, passionate about travel and versatile skills.

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