Ryanair vs. Aena: Budget Airline Cuts Flights to Spain Amid Fee Dispute
Ryanair, the Irish budget airline, is significantly reducing its winter flight schedule to Spain due to an "ongoing feud" with Aena, the Spanish airport operator. The airline has slashed a million seats, representing a 41% reduction, on flights to key regional routes, impacting several destinations.
The Root of the Conflict: Fee Increases
The dispute stems from Aena's proposed 6.62% fee increase, which Ryanair has deemed "excessive." In response, the airline is implementing drastic measures, including halting all flights to Jerez, Tenerife North, Valladolid, and Vigo. This action also entails shutting down its two-aircraft base in Santiago and significantly reducing capacity at Asturias, Santander, Vitoria, and Zaragoza.
Public Accusations and Counter-Accusations
The "escalating public row" has involved heated exchanges between key figures. Maurici Lucena, chair and chief executive of Aena, accused Ryanair's Michael O'Leary of "lying continuously," claiming the fee increase is not the true reason for the flight cuts. Lucena suggests Ryanair is trying to avoid the "political and reputational cost of abandoning some regional airports." Aena has further accused Ryanair of "dishonesty and poor taste" and distorting figures.
Ryanair's Rebuttal and Call to Action
Ryanair has "hit back at the allegations," urging Aena to lower fees at "Spain's empty regional airports." A spokesperson stated that the company "always goes where costs are lower" and would return to regional Spain if fees become more competitive compared to Madrid and Barcelona.
Vueling Steps In, Albania Gains Attention
Vueling, another Spanish airline, is poised to capitalize on the reduced capacity by increasing its own flights to Santiago (by 15%) and Tenerife North (by 11%). Vueling plans to add an aircraft in mid-December and introduce 28 additional weekly journeys from Santiago. Meanwhile, Albania is emerging as a potential growth market for Ryanair, with plans to open a three-aircraft base in Tirana, contingent on maintaining low access costs.
Impact on Travelers and Future Outlook
While some Spanish regional destinations may become more difficult to reach from the UK, "core" tourist routes are generally unaffected. Other airlines are expected to gradually fill the void left by Ryanair. Ryanair is shifting its focus to locations like Hungary, Croatia, Sweden, and Morocco, where access costs are more favorable. Despite the ongoing conflict, Aena remains confident that Spain will remain a "key market" for Ryanair.
