Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-cost carrier and the number one airline in Spain, is preparing to slash one million passenger seats this winter. The move comes after Spain’s airport operator Aena announced a 6.5% fee hike to help fund expansion at Madrid and Barcelona airports.
For UK holidaymakers who rely heavily on Ryanair for affordable getaways to Spain, the cuts could mean fewer flights, higher fares, and reduced regional options.
Why is Ryanair Cutting Flights?
Ryanair’s decision was first reported by Europa Press and later confirmed by CEO Eddie Wilson. The airline will formally announce the capacity reduction next week, but the reasons are already clear:
Aena’s fee increase of 6.5% starting 2026.
Ryanair’s long-standing frustration with what it calls “excessive charges” at Spanish airports.
Ongoing challenges at smaller regional airports still recovering from the pandemic.
Ongoing challenges at smaller regional airports still recovering from the pandemic.
Wilson has repeatedly argued that raising fees makes Spanish airports less competitive compared to rivals in Italy, Portugal, and Eastern Europe.
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A Pattern of Reductions
This isn’t the first time Ryanair has slashed flights in Spain. Earlier in January 2025, the airline cut 800,000 seats for the summer season and even scrapped 12 routes. Now, the winter cuts are even steeper, targeting smaller airports and regional hubs that rely heavily on Ryanair to drive tourism and employment.
For towns and coastal regions popular with British holidaymakers, this reduction could lead to fewer direct flights from the UK, forcing travellers onto longer or more expensive journeys.
How Will It Affect UK Travellers?
The UK is one of Ryanair’s largest customer bases for Spain. From Costa del Sol to the Canary Islands, millions of Brits book Ryanair every year for affordable sun escapes. With one million fewer seats:
Flight prices are likely to rise as supply shrinks.
Popular winter sun destinations such as Malaga, Alicante, and Tenerife could see fewer departures.
Travellers may be forced to book earlier or use alternative airlines like EasyJet, Jet2, or Wizz Air.
For those looking at budget breaks in late 2025 and early 2026, this could be a frustrating blow.
What Does Aena Say?
Spain’s state-controlled airport operator Aena has defended its fee increase. The company insists the extra funds are necessary to finance major expansion projects in Madrid and Barcelona, which are crucial to long-term capacity growth.
Aena also points out that it already offers commercial incentives to airlines and argues that Ryanair focuses more on growing its fleet of Boeing 737s than investing directly into airports.
Still, with Ryanair controlling a huge share of passenger traffic in Spain, the standoff is becoming increasingly tense.
Wider Impact: Tourism and Jobs
Spain’s economy depends heavily on tourism — with UK visitors topping the charts each year. A cut of one million seats could:
Hit local tourism businesses in coastal towns and islands.
Reduce employment opportunities tied to regional airports.
Shift air traffic to other Mediterranean destinations such as Portugal, Greece, or Turkey, which may benefit from Ryanair’s reallocated aircraft.
For UK tourists, the result could be fewer choices in Spain but potentially cheaper deals elsewhere in Europe.
What Happens Next?
Ryanair is expected to formally announce the cuts next week, giving more details on which routes and airports will be affected. For now, UK travellers planning Spanish holidays in winter 2025 should:
Book flights early to lock in lower prices.
Consider alternative destinations if flexibility allows.
Keep an eye on announcements from Ryanair and Aena as negotiations continue.