Ryanair prepares new flight cuts to Spain: what we know about the changes.

Ryanair's decision to cut flights to Spain

According to The Sun: Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary has announced that the airline plans to reduce the number of seats on flights to Spain next year.

This step follows the cancellation of three routes to Spain, which will affect two million passengers.

Issues with tax charges

Michael O'Leary also noted that he is prepared to cut another million seats on flights to Spain in summer 2026. This is related to a long-standing dispute with the Spanish airport operator, Aena, regarding passenger taxes.

“I have to return to Madrid in two weeks and will likely announce another million seats that will be canceled next summer. If costs in Spain's regions are too high, I will fly to other places. It is more profitable for us to fly at the same price to cities like Palma [on Mallorca] than to fly to Jerez.”

O'Leary also urged Aena to cancel the price increases, stating:

“If the Spanish government cannot make Aena back down, then I have no desire to serve them.”

Aena charges airlines for using their airports, including terminals, runways, and baggage handling.

The latest increase means that fees for airlines, including Ryanair, will rise by 6.5% in 2026.

Ryanair flight cancellations

Ryanair has already canceled two million seats for the winter and summer seasons of 2025. In early September, the airline announced the cancellation of about a million seats to Spain this winter.

This is partly due to the closure of Ryanair's base in Santiago, with the last flight scheduled for March 27, 2026.

Ryanair is also cutting flights to Tenerife North, which will cease at the beginning of this winter season. Flights to Vigo will be suspended from January 2026.

A further 36 connections between regional Spain and the Canary Islands will be canceled, while two million seats per year will be redirected to Italy, Morocco, Croatia, and Albania.

Ryanair's bases in the Spanish cities of Valladolid and Jerez remain closed.

Earlier this year, Ryanair also announced the cancellation of routes to Bergerac Airport, leading to a loss of approximately 18,000 passengers.

The flight from London Stansted to Brive, the largest community in the Correze region of France, is also canceled. Direct flights will stop after October 24, 2025.

Additionally, the flight from London Gatwick to Strasbourg in France, known for its large Christmas markets, is canceled.

For all passengers flying with Ryanair, it is now possible to bring an even larger bag on board for free.

Moreover, Deputy Travel Editor Cara Godfrey revealed why Ryanair is her favorite airline.

The situation regarding Ryanair's flight cuts to Spain demonstrates significant financial challenges for the airline and the impact of tax policy on the aviation business. Customers should be prepared for changes in schedules and potential reductions in available destinations. This may prompt passengers to choose other options for their travels in the summer season of 2026.