No more flights to and from Jerez and Valladolid, as well as an overall reduction of 18% in different regional airports (Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, Zaragoza, Santander and Asturias). Here is the drastic decision taken by Ryanair, which accuses Aena, the organization responsible for managing airports in Spain, of “abandoning regional airports” in a press release.
The company explains this decision by the fees imposed by Aena, deemed “excessive”. Ryanair is therefore expected to remove 800,000 seats this summer, compared to summer 2024. Unused planes will thus be redeployed to other countries, such as Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Hungary and Morocco, “ where governments actively incentivize growth,” said Eddie Wilson, CEO of the airline.
Augmentation des taxes
“The fare increase must be withdrawn,” Ryanair demanded in a statement. “Incentive systems must be improved,” also indicated the company, which accuses Aena of “monopoly”.
In a press release, Eddie Wilson also emphasizes that “has invested heavily in the defense of regional airports, and supports access to tourism and employment through low fares”.
-Aena, for its part, denounces “fallacious reasons (…) to deceive citizens and exert pressure on public institutions”.
A precedent in Bordeaux
Demanding less taxes to maintain its passes, Ryanair has made it a specialty, particularly in France. In 2024, the low-cost airline announced its abrupt departure from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport following a financial dispute.
“Due to increased costs in Bordeaux from November 2024, Ryanair will move its 3 Bordeaux-based aircraft to less expensive airports elsewhere in Europe, resulting in the loss of 40 Ryanair routes to and from Bordeaux , and the loss of more than 90 jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers based in Bordeaux,” the Irish company then indicated.
Also read:
Related News :