Else Beekman
Ryanair’s decision to exit certain Spanish airports and reduce operations in others is set to leave a considerable void in air travel options. The low-cost carrier cites high AENA fees and lack of airline incentives as the primary reasons behind this strategic move. As a result, 643,000 seats will be lost, impacting regional connectivity and tourism.
Ryanair’s departure will hit smaller airports the hardest. Valladolid faces a 60% reduction in operations, a drop from 154,000 seats in 2024 to just 60,000 in the upcoming summer. Similarly, Santiago de Compostela will lose 334,000 seats. This means an 11.4% decline which will significantly impact its tourism influx from the Camino de Santiago.
Other affected airports include Zaragoza, losing 113,000 seats (18.5% of operations), and Santander, with an expected 10% reduction in passenger volume. Additionally, Jerez will also feel the impact with 52,400 fewer seats, a 7% decrease compared to last year.
The role of AENA fees and incentives
Ryanair’s exit is attributed to what it deems “excessive” AENA fees and insufficient incentives for smaller airports. Airlines in Spain pay an average of €10.35 per passenger for security and operational services, but at smaller airports, this can drop to as low as €2 or €3 due to existing incentives.
However, Ryanair argues that these incentives are not enough. The airline has called for substantial fee reductions or discounts for regional airports handling fewer passengers. AENA, on the other hand, defends its pricing structure as necessary for maintaining operational standards.
Contrasting reactions and controversy
The decision has sparked controversy, with AENA perceiving Ryanair’s move as an attempt to pressure for more favourable terms. Meanwhile, Ryanair has intensified its stance through an aggressive advertising campaign targeting Spain’s Consumer Minister, following a €179 million fine for charging passengers for cabin luggage. The campaign urges customers to book ‘crazy prices’ quickly before the minister, whom they portray as a ‘payaso’ (clown), raises the prices.
Other airlines filling the gap
Meanwhile, in response to Ryanair’s departure, other airlines are stepping in to fill the void. Volotea, Iberia, Binter, and Vueling have announced plans to increase their operations in the affected regions. Volotea, with bases in Asturias and Bilbao, is set to expand its presence by 9% this year. Furthermore, Iberia, Air Nostrum, Binter, and Vueling will help maintain connectivity in airports like Jerez and Valladolid.
To support this transition, AENA has launched an incentive programme aimed at boosting traffic in airports with fewer than three million passengers annually. This includes a full refund of passenger fees for additional growth and discounts on security charges. While Ryanair moves towards agreements with regional governments in other parts of Spain, its exit from Jerez and Valladolid appears to be permanent for now.
Also read: Ryanair threatens higer fares in Spain over million-euro fine