Passengers travelling to popular European destinations this summer may face major disruptions as Ryanair announces significant cuts to its 2025 flight schedule.
To reduce costs associated with rising airport charges and aviation taxes, the low-cost Irish airline has confirmed the cancellation of several routes across multiple countries, including Spain, Italy, Denmark, and France. The move will impact thousands of travellers and force many to rethink their summer holiday plans.
Spain Hit Hardest by Ryanair Cuts
Spain, the top holiday destination for British travellers, is one of the countries most affected by Ryanair’s cost-cutting measures. The airline has announced an 18% reduction in Spanish summer traffic, losing 800,000 seats across 12 routes.
In a statement, Ryanair confirmed the complete shutdown of operations in Jerez and Valladolid and the closure of one of its bases in Santiago.
The airline will also reduce Asturias, Zaragoza, Santander, and Vigo traffic. The company described these cuts as a “completely avoidable loss,” which it says will have a “devastating” impact on Spain’s regional connectivity, tourism, and jobs.
Ryanair blamed the reductions on increasing costs: “We have been forced to cut capacity to/from short-sighted markets that are bizarrely introducing or increasing aviation taxes. These capacity cuts are due to increased costs, making these markets uncompetitive compared to their EU counterparts who are actively lowering costs and, as a result, benefitting from rapid Ryanair growth.”
Eddie Wilson, Ryanair’s CEO, pointed to Spanish state-controlled airport operator Aena as a key reason for the cuts, accusing the company of imposing “unjustified” price hikes.
Although Aena had initially reduced its charges, Ryanair claims they have steadily increased. However, the airport operator defended its pricing, arguing that the average fee of €10.35 (£8.75) per passenger remains “among the lowest in Europe.”
Italy Also Affected by Route Reductions
Italy is another country facing cuts, with Ryanair confirming that one of its aircraft will be removed from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport—Italy’s most significant—due to new municipal surcharges set to take effect on April 1, 2025.
“This means no growth for Rome despite the celebrations for the Jubilee year,” the airline stated, referring to the Vatican’s upcoming Holy Year events, expected to draw millions of tourists.
Denmark to Lose Ryanair Flights Due to New Aviation Tax
Ryanair’s latest round of cuts has also hit Denmark. The airline has decided to scrap flights to and from Aalborg following the Danish government’s introduction of a new aviation tax of DKK50 (£5.60).
Ryanair claims this makes regional airports in Denmark “hopelessly uncompetitive” compared to other EU countries. The airline estimates that the cuts will result in a loss of 1.7 million seats and 32 routes for the summer season.
As a result, Ryanair will be closing its base at Billund Airport, which currently houses two aircraft. While Ryanair will no longer serve the city, British Airways will continue operating flights to Billund.
France Faces Potential Route Cuts Amid Rising Taxes
Ryanair routes to and from France may also be affected as the country prepares to raise its aviation tax this year. The tax on economy-class short-haul flights within France or Europe will increase from €2.63 to €7.40 for flights departing from the country.
French Minister of Public Accounts Amélie de Montchalin has backed the tax hike, defending it as a measure of “fiscal and ecological justice.” She argued that “the 20% of the population with the highest income are responsible for more than half of the expenses of air travel.”
While Ryanair has not yet announced specific cancellations in France, CEO Michael O’Leary has warned that the airline could scale back its operations if the tax increase continues.
At a press conference last week, O’Leary stated: “France is already a high-tax country, and if it increases already high taxes further, we will probably reduce our capacity.”
Impact on Travelers and the Aviation Industry
Ryanair’s decision to cut routes across multiple European countries could significantly impact passengers and the aviation industry. The airline’s cost-cutting measures come as airport charges and government-imposed taxes continue to rise, making low-cost travel increasingly difficult.
For passengers, the changes mean fewer flight options, potential price hikes, and disruptions to summer holiday plans. Meanwhile, regional airports, tourism industries, and local economies in affected countries may suffer from decreased connectivity and fewer visitors.
With other airlines potentially facing similar cost pressures, travellers may need to brace for further reductions in budget flight availability across Europe in the coming years.