The Ryanair vs. Aena Dispute – What It Means for Regional Airports & Tourism in Spain

A fierce dispute has erupted between Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, and Aena, Spain's state-owned airport operator. At the center of the controversy are airport fees, regional air connectivity, and accusations of unfair practices.

As a result, Ryanair has announced major flight reductions in Spain, including:

• 800,000 fewer seats in Summer 2025 (a 5% reduction in its total Spanish capacity).

• Twelve routes will be canceled.

• Complete withdrawal from Jerez and Valladolid airports.

• Cuts of up to 61% at several regional airports.

This decision could reshape Spain's regional air travel landscape, affecting tourism, airport revenues, and airline competition. But is Ryanair genuinely concerned about high costs, or is this part of a more significant strategic move?

Why Is Ryanair Cutting Flights? The Core Issues Behind the Dispute.

Airport Fees: A Legitimate Concern or a Bargaining Strategy?

Ryanair has built its brand on ultra-low fares, which it partly makes possible by securing favorable airport deals. The airline argues that Aena's airport fees are excessive, making Spain's regional airports less competitive than those in other European markets.

Aena, however, strongly refutes this claim, pointing out that Spain's average airport fee per passenger is €10.35, which is lower than major European countries and remains frozen until 2026. Below is a comparison of airport fees in various European countries.

Ryanair insists that, despite these figures, the real issue is how these fees impact smaller airports, making them less attractive than alternative European hubs.

So, is Ryanair's protest justified, or is this a strategic maneuver to pressure Aena into further lowering costs?

Are Regional Airports Being Neglected?

Another central point of contention is regional airport incentives. Ryanair claims that Aena is failing to support smaller airports, leading the airline to shift aircraft to more favorable European markets.

Aena, however, counters this argument by stating that:

• Seventeen regional airports benefit from incentive programs.

• Airlines that increase passenger numbers at these airports receive 100% fee discounts.

Yet, despite these incentives, Ryanair is scaling back operations in multiple Spanish regional airports, raising questions about whether the support is sufficient.

The War of Words: Accusations of Unfair Practices

This dispute has escalated beyond financial negotiations, with both parties making accusations of unfair practices:

• Ryanair accuses Aena of prioritizing investment in foreign airports over supporting Spanish regional airports.

• Aena accuses Ryanair of blackmailing Spain and using flight cuts to pressure authorities to grant better financial terms.

• The Spanish government has joined the debate, accusing Ryanair of "abusive practices" particularly regarding hidden baggage fees and extra charges.

The outcome of this dispute will impact Ryanair and Aena and determine how Spain's regional airports will attract and retain low-cost airlines in the future.

The Impact: Who Will Lose the Most?

Regional Airports Face Major Capacity Cuts

Ryanair's cuts will significantly impact smaller airports, which depend on low-cost carriers to maintain steady passenger traffic.

Airports such as Vigo and Santiago, which rely heavily on Ryanair, could struggle to replace lost flights, leading to lower passenger volumes and reduced revenue streams.

Tourism and Economic Impact

Spain's tourism industry heavily depends on low-cost carriers, particularly in smaller cities. The reduction in flights could have far-reaching economic consequences:

• Analysts estimate a direct tourism revenue loss of over €560 million annually.

• In Galicia, 47% of international tourists arrive via low-cost carriers, and Ryanair alone accounts for 68% of that traffic.

Fewer flights and reduced accessibility could lead to declining hotel occupancy rates, fewer restaurant bookings, and weaker demand for local transportation services.

Can Other Airlines Replace Ryanair?

Historically, finding replacements for lost routes has been challenging. Between 2018 and 2023, only 48% of routes abandoned by major carriers at Spanish regional airports were replaced by alternative airlines within 18 months.

While competitors such as Vueling, EasyJet, and Iberia may expand some routes, it remains uncertain whether they will:

• Offer fares as low as Ryanair's.

• Restore full capacity in affected airports.

Unless other airlines advance, passengers in smaller Spanish cities may face higher prices and fewer travel options.

What Should Regional Airports and Tourism Boards Do?

1. Reduce Dependence on a Single Airline

• Airports must proactively attract multiple carriers to avoid relying on Ryanair alone.

• Competitive incentives should be introduced to encourage alternative airlines to expand operations.

2. Strengthen Destination Marketing

• Tourism boards should launch targeted campaigns in key international markets to compensate for lost Ryanair capacity.

• Promoting alternative transport options, such as high-speed rail, can help maintain regional accessibility.

3. Seek Policy Interventions and Support

• Regional airports and governments should introduce temporary incentives to retain low-cost carriers.

• Public-private partnerships could fund infrastructure improvements and enhance the competitiveness of Spanish airports.

What Comes Next?

This dispute concerns more than fees. It will influence how low-cost airlines operate in Spain and whether regional airports remain viable without Ryanair's dominance.

If Aena maintains its firm stance, Ryanair may continue scaling back operations beyond 2025. If alternative airlines fail to step in, Spain's regional airports may see permanent declines in air connectivity.

The coming months will determine whether this is a short-term standoff or a long-term shift in Spain's aviation market.

Conclusion: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The dispute between Ryanair and Aena illustrates the complex interdependencies within Spain's aviation ecosystem. While Ryanair's reduction of 800,000 seats across 12 routes at seven regional airports for summer 2025 presents significant challenges, it is essential to note that the airline's overall activity in Spain is still projected to increase by approximately 5% compared to 2024.

This conflict extends beyond a standard commercial disagreement. Aena accuses Ryanair of "blackmail, " while the airline contends that the airport operator has imposed "excessive charges." These fundamental differences highlight structural tensions within Spain's regional airport model that require thoughtful resolution.

This situation necessitates a balanced approach to fee structures for airport operators that ensures financial sustainability while remaining competitive enough to retain and attract airline service.

Regional airports' operational efficiency becomes particularly critical when facing potential reductions in traffic volume.

Tourism authorities in affected regions must prepare for potential disruptions to visitor flows, particularly in destinations heavily reliant on air connectivity. Proactive engagement with alternative carriers and developing strategic marketing initiatives can help mitigate short-term impacts while building more resilient tourism ecosystems.

Regional governments must address potential economic consequences that extend beyond the aviation sector. These effects on tourism revenue, employment opportunities, and local business activity require comprehensive economic development strategies that reduce dependency on single transportation providers.

The situation presents both challenges and opportunities for Spain's regional connectivity framework. By approaching this dispute as a catalyst for strategic planning and enhanced stakeholder collaboration, Spain's tourism and aviation sectors can work toward more sustainable models that better withstand future market fluctuations and competitive pressures.

Through evidence-based decision-making and collaborative stakeholder engagement, Spain's regional tourism ecosystem can navigate this transitional period while establishing sustainable long-term growth and resilience foundations.

Strategic Edge Research sees the Ryanair-Aena dispute as a critical turning point for Spain's regional air travel. But what about you?

• Do you think Ryanair is justified in its complaints about airport fees, or is this just a negotiation tactic?

• Should Aena offer better incentives to airlines, or would that set a precedent for carriers to demand lower fees everywhere?

• Can Spain's regional airports and tourism sector recover from these cuts, or will this have long-term consequences for connectivity and economic growth?

We would love to hear your thoughts. How do you see this playing out? Let's discuss.