Ryanair announces major flight cuts to Spain, targeting smaller regional airports

Thursday 04 September 2025 - 15:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Ryanair announces major flight cuts to Spain, targeting smaller regional airports

Ryanair, the budget airline, has dealt a significant blow to Spanish residents and tourists by announcing the cancellation of 36 flight routes connecting Spain with domestic and international destinations by this winter. This decision follows a reduction of 13 routes earlier in 2025, which had already cut passenger numbers by 800,000. The airline has now confirmed its plans to remove an additional 1 million seats.

"Excessive" airport fees to blame

The main reason cited by Ryanair for these cuts is the increase in airport fees imposed by Spain’s airport operator, Aena. The airline claims these “excessive” costs have made operations in smaller regional airports unprofitable, leading to a focus on cutting routes from these locations.

Ryanair has not officially disclosed all the routes that will be axed. However, based on statements and local reports, the following airports and routes are confirmed to be impacted.

Vigo: total withdrawal

Cancelled route:

- Vigo - London Stansted

Ryanair has confirmed it will cease operations entirely at Vigo Airport in Galicia. The only existing route, between Vigo and London Stansted, will be eliminated, leaving the northwestern Spanish city without any direct flights to the UK.

Tenerife North: a complete shutdown

Cancelled routes:

- Tenerife North - Alicante

- Tenerife North - Barcelona

- Tenerife North - Madrid

- Tenerife North - Palma de Mallorca

- Tenerife North - Seville

- Tenerife North - Valencia

Ryanair is also withdrawing all flights from Tenerife North Airport, which primarily serves Spanish domestic travelers. This move will cut off many residents and tourists who rely on layovers at the airport to reach less accessible Canary Islands such as La Gomera and El Hierro. Tenerife South, the main hub for international travel, remains unaffected by these cuts.

Gran Canaria: significant reductions

Cancelled routes:

- Gran Canaria - Barcelona

- Gran Canaria - Alicante

- Gran Canaria - Madrid

- Gran Canaria - Seville

- Gran Canaria - Valencia

Gran Canaria will lose five national routes. While other airlines operate some of these connections, reduced competition is likely to lead to higher ticket prices.

Fuerteventura: limited international options

Cancelled routes:

- Fuerteventura - Barcelona

- Fuerteventura - Madrid

- Fuerteventura - London Luton

The Canary Island of Fuerteventura will lose connections to Spain’s two largest cities, as well as its only direct link to London Luton.

Lanzarote: international routes affected

Cancelled routes:

- Lanzarote - Barcelona

- Lanzarote - Marseille

- Lanzarote - London Luton

- Lanzarote - Turin

Lanzarote will lose key international connections, including flights to Marseille and Turin, leaving fewer direct options for travelers from southern France and northern Italy.

Santander: major international cuts

Cancelled routes:

- Santander - Rome

- Santander - Milan

- Santander - Paris Beauvais

- Santander - Vienna

Santander will lose some of its most important international routes, representing a 38 percent reduction in Ryanair’s capacity at the airport. Local authorities have expressed concerns about the economic impact and are reportedly attempting to negotiate with the airline.

Zaragoza: nearly half of flights cancelled

Cancelled routes:

- Zaragoza - Fez

- Zaragoza - Paris

- Zaragoza - Palma de Mallorca

Zaragoza, Spain’s fourth-largest city, will see a 45 percent reduction in Ryanair flights, losing connections with Morocco, France, and Mallorca.

Santiago de Compostela: the hardest hit

Cancelled routes:

- Santiago de Compostela - Madrid

- Santiago de Compostela - Málaga

- Santiago de Compostela - Alicante

- Santiago de Compostela - Gran Canaria

- Santiago de Compostela - Palma de Mallorca

- Santiago de Compostela - Zaragoza

Reduced frequencies:

- Santiago de Compostela - Tenerife (10 down to 3 weekly flights)

- Santiago de Compostela - Valencia (8 down to 4 weekly flights)

- Santiago de Compostela - Lanzarote (5 down to 2 weekly flights)

- Santiago de Compostela - London (5 down to 2 weekly flights)

Ryanair is closing its base in Santiago de Compostela, withdrawing its two stationed aircraft. This will result in the loss of dozens of jobs and the cancellation of seven flight routes. Several other connections will see their frequencies significantly reduced.

Asturias and Vitoria: spared from route cancellations

Despite being named in Ryanair’s cuts, Asturias and Vitoria airports will retain all existing routes. In Asturias, regional government agreements require Ryanair to continue flying to Rome, Düsseldorf, and Brussels until 2026.

Economic and travel impact

The reductions highlight the growing tensions between Ryanair and Aena. Smaller regional airports, heavily reliant on the airline, will face significant challenges in maintaining passenger inflows. Reduced competition is also expected to drive up ticket prices, affecting both residents and tourists.

As Ryanair's cuts take effect, Spain’s regional connectivity will shrink further, amplifying the economic strain on local communities and limiting travel options for millions.