The changes are uneven. Some airports are set to lose Ryanair service altogether, while others will see fewer routes or reduced frequency. Larger airports such as Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga are not expected to be significantly affected and will continue to operate as usual, reflecting a broader shift toward higher-volume routes.
Among the most affected locations in Spain are Asturias and Vigo, where Ryanair is withdrawing routes, as well as Tenerife North, which is losing its remaining services. Other airports, including Valladolid and Jerez, are also expected to see significant reductions or potential exits.
Elsewhere, the airline is scaling back rather than leaving entirely. Santiago de Compostela will lose its Ryanair base, a move that typically leads to fewer routes and reduced frequency, even if some flights remain. Airports such as Santander, Zaragoza and Vitoria are also expected to see fewer departures and reduced seat capacity.
Azores routes dropped
Credits: Unsplash; Author: André Mendonça;
Portugal has not escaped the changes, although the impact is more concentrated. From the end of March 2026, Ryanair ended all six routes to and from the Azores, a move affecting an estimated 400,000 passengers annually.
The withdrawal represents roughly a 22% reduction in Ryanair’s overall capacity in Portugal, driven largely by the loss of these island routes rather than cuts at mainland airports. Faro, Lisbon and Porto continue to operate with a broad range of services and have not seen the same level of reductions.
Local tourism operators estimate that Ryanair previously brought more than 100,000 visitors a year to the Azores, contributing a significant share of overnight stays and an economic impact valued at hundreds of millions of euros annually.
Ryanair has attributed the decision to rising operating costs, including airport charges set by ANA, Portugal’s airport operator, as well as environmental taxes linked to the EU Emissions Trading System and the country’s €2 travel tax. The airline has argued that these factors make certain routes commercially unviable, a claim that airport authorities have pushed back on, stating that dialogue with carriers remains ongoing.
The concern now is how the loss of a major low-cost carrier will affect access to the islands. Reduced seat availability can lead to higher fares and fewer direct connections, with potential knock-on effects for tourism and related sectors such as hospitality and local services.
A wider European shift
The pattern seen in Spain and Portugal reflects a broader shift across Europe. Ryanair has confirmed similar capacity reductions in countries including Germany, France and Belgium, with reports suggesting that millions of seats will be removed from its overall schedule.
The strategy appears to focus on consolidating operations around larger bases and more consistent, year-round demand. Smaller airports, particularly those reliant on low-cost carriers to maintain international connections, are more exposed to these changes.
For travellers, the impact is likely to be practical rather than dramatic. Fewer routes and reduced frequency can make short trips less flexible, particularly from regional airports. Journeys that once relied on direct flights may now require connections or departures from larger cities.
At the same time, the overall network remains extensive. Major airports across Spain and mainland Portugal continue to offer a wide range of routes, so low-cost travel options remain widely available. The difference lies in where those journeys now begin.
For regions losing direct connections, however, the effect may be more immediate. Reduced accessibility can influence travel patterns, particularly in areas that depend on short-stay visitors and seasonal tourism.
As airlines adjust to rising costs and shifting demand, the balance of European air travel is gradually changing. Connectivity remains strong, but it is becoming increasingly concentrated in fewer, larger locations.
