Ryanair cuts regional flights across Spain and Portugal

Ryanair is planning to scale back part of its flight operations in Spain and Portugal in 2026, with the reductions expected to primarily affect regional routes, according to The Portugal News.

The airline’s adjustments are not expected to significantly impact major aviation hubs, including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, where overall traffic volumes are likely to remain largely unchanged.

However, several regional destinations are set to be affected by the cuts. Among them are Asturias, Vigo, and the northern part of Tenerife. In some cases, Ryanair may fully withdraw services from smaller airports, a move that could reduce the airline’s overall capacity in the region by as much as 22%.

The impact is already being felt in Portugal. Since the end of March, Ryanair has suspended all flights to the Azores, a decision that is estimated to affect around 400,000 passengers annually.

Ryanair says the route revisions are driven by rising operational costs. These include increased airport charges imposed by ANA, Portugal’s airport operator, as well as additional expenses linked to the European Union’s emissions trading system. According to the airline, some routes have become economically unsustainable under current conditions.

By Tamilla Hasanova