Ryanair ‘poised to cut one million Spanish seats’

Ryanair is poised to cut almost one million seats from Spanish airports this winter in response to a hike in airport charges.

The no-frills airline is expected to outline the reductions next Wednesday, according to Spanish media outlet Europa Press.

Ryanair has criticised airport operator Aena’s plans to increase fees by 6.5% by 2026, to €11.03 per passenger - a decision described as being "unjustified and damaging". 

The affected airports and the exact number of seats being removed are due to be revealed at a press conference in Madrid next week.

Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson told the Spanish publication:  "We are going to invest where we can get a return." 

The move stemmed from the “indifference” of the Spanish government, he reportedly said.

The airline is facing strikes by baggage handlers at Ryanair Group firm Azul Handling four days a week until the end of the year at 12 airports across Spain including

Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Ibiza, Palma and Tenerife South.

Ryanair has insisted the walk-outs will not affect its operations.

A spokesperson said: “Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain.”