Ryanair Slashes 12 Million Seats in Protest Against High Airport Fees in Spain

In a significant move, Ryanair announced on Wednesday the drastic measure of cutting 12 million seats offered at regional airports across Spain. The decision comes as a response to the exorbitant fees imposed by Aena, the operator of Spanish airports, fueling tensions between low-cost airlines and government regulations. During a press conference, Ryanair’s CEO Michael O'Leary emphasized the burdensome costs at these regional airports, stating, "Due to the high cost of some regional airports, we have closed several. We promised the Government that we would grow if they accepted our plan and reduced the high Aena fees at these airports." O'Leary’s statements reflect Ryanair's strategy to hold the government accountable for the ongoing issues affecting low-cost carriers. The announcement arrives in the wake of an escalating conflict between Brussels and Spain over the airline regulations. Recently, the European Commission initiated a complaint against Spain for imposing restrictions that prevent airlines from charging for carry-on luggage. This regulatory confrontation has put Spain's policies under scrutiny, granting the government a two-month deadline to revise a €179 million fine imposed on several airlines. O'Leary took the opportunity to criticize what he describes as the monopolistic practices of Aena, insisting these high fees are detrimental to regional development. "Regional airports need lower costs and more competitive rates to be able to grow," he asserted. His comments underscore a broader frustration with the existing pricing structure at Spanish airports, which he claims is harmful to consumers, particularly in less populated areas. The CEO further lamented about how the focus on low-cost airlines over the past two years has resulted in wasted time, a sentiment echoed by the European Commission's critiques. "We want to fly to Spain but also to smaller regions. We have a much lower cost than other airlines," he noted, urging for an environment where low-cost carriers can thrive and expand their services in Spain’s smaller airports. In a pointed critique of political figures, O'Leary did not hold back from addressing Spain’s Minister of Social Rights, Consumption, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy. He stated, "He only attacks us. We have sent all this information to the minister. What is he doing? Nothing. Busy issuing illegal fines against low-cost airlines." His remarks were a clear indication of the strain in relations between Ryanair and the Spanish government. O'Leary reiterated that Ryanair, like other airlines, should have the autonomy to charge for carry-on luggage, emphasizing that Spanish laws must align with European laws. He urged Bustinduy to familiarize himself with these regulations and to comply with them, expressing frustration at the perceived negligence from the minister’s office. The impact of this decision will be felt significantly in the upcoming years, with Ryanair projecting a total elimination of 3 million seats at regional airports by 2026. This latest cut follows a previous reduction of 800,000 seats during the last summer and an additional million for the current winter season. The cumulative effect of these cuts illustrates the severe financial implications facing these regional airports as Ryanair reassesses its operations within Spain. As Ryanair’s operations shrink, the future of regional air travel in Spain hangs in the balance, with potential consequences for local economies that rely on connectivity provided by low-cost airlines. The ongoing dispute between the airline and the government continues to evolve, with consumers and regional stakeholders watching closely as negotiations unfold. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2