Ryanair plans to reduce its flight capacity in Spain by 16% overall this winter, with steeper cuts⁢ in regional ⁤areas ⁢(41%) and the Canary Islands (10%). The airline attributes⁢ these reductions to what it calls “excessive and poorly competitive airport rates” imposed ⁤by Aena, the Spanish airport operator. The‍ cuts ⁤represent a reduction of one million seats.

Eddie Wilson, Ryanair’s head, warned that ⁤the capacity reductions will lead⁤ to “a loss of investment, connectivity, tourism⁣ and employment‍ in Spain at the regional level, as many routes will become economically unviable.” He stated, “There is no need to negotiate as it ⁣is indeed a monopoly. They define prices and we have to pay.”

Specific Route and Base Closures

Ryanair’s plan includes the following specific changes:

• santiago de Compostela: Closure of a two-aircraft base, representing a loss of €171.5 million in investment for the Galicia region.
• Vigo: suspension of all ⁤flights starting January 2026.
• Tenerife⁣ North: Suspension of all flights beginning this winter.
• Valladolid & Jerez: Airports will remain closed through the winter of 2025.
• Saragossa: Capacity reduction of 45%.
• Santander: Capacity reduction of 38%.
• Asturias: Capacity reduction of 16%.
• vitoria: Capacity reduction details not specified in the source.

Aena’s Dominance⁣ and Regional Airport Concerns

Wilson highlighted Aena’s meaningful market share, stating the operator concentrates 85% of its traffic on just 10 airports, demonstrating a lack of interest in supporting regional facilities. This imbalance raises concerns about the long-term⁤ viability of⁢ smaller airports, with Wilson predicting many will close within the next 5-10 years.

Aena operates a network of 48 airports and aerodromes in Spain. Aena’s website details its operations and financial performance. The company is partially publicly owned, with the Spanish government holding a significant stake.

Impact on Capacity: A ⁢Breakdown