Spain Joins Portugal, Germany, France and Belgium in Experiencing Significant Disruptions as Ryanair Scales Back Operations in 2026 Due to Rising Airport Fees, Environmental Taxes and Fuel Shortages: Everything You Need to Know

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In 2026, Ryanair will significantly scale back its operations across multiple European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, and Belgium, due to a combination of rising airport fees, environmental taxes, and the looming threat of fuel shortages. The airline’s decision to reduce capacity and close several regional bases is set to disrupt travel for millions of passengers, particularly those in smaller cities and regional airports where Ryanair has traditionally been a key carrier. Spain, which had previously avoided such cuts, now joins the list of affected nations, adding to the growing list of European markets experiencing severe flight reductions. This article breaks down everything you need to know about how these changes will impact travelers, the reasons behind the reductions, and what it means for the future of Ryanair’s European network.

The sweeping route reductions mark a dramatic shift for the airline, which has long been a major player in European low-cost travel. These changes are set to affect millions of passengers, especially those relying on Ryanair for affordable travel to and from regional airports, as the airline responds to a shifting economic and regulatory environment.

Portugal: Cuts Driven by High Fees and Regulatory Costs

Portugal is among the hardest hit by Ryanair’s latest changes. The airline has decided to discontinue all six of its routes to and from the Azores by the end of March 2026, a move that will affect around 400,000 passengers annually. This represents a 22% reduction in Ryanair’s overall capacity in Portugal. The decision is largely attributed to increased air traffic control fees imposed by Portuguese operator ANA (Vinci), which have significantly raised operating costs for the airline. Additionally, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which targets short-haul flights, further compounds the financial strain on Ryanair’s operations in the region.

Ryanair has also expressed frustration with the monopolistic control of Portugal’s airport sector by ANA, which it claims has allowed the company to raise fees without facing competition. The airline has criticized ANA for its lack of efforts to promote low-cost connectivity in the country, particularly to regions like the Azores, which depend on affordable air travel.

Adding to Ryanair’s concerns, Portugal recently introduced a €2 travel levy, which the airline has described as “counterproductive.” The levy, combined with the high operational costs, has pushed Ryanair to reduce its operations in the country, ultimately leading to the elimination of services to and from the Azores.

Spain: More Reductions Amid Disputes Over Airport Fees

Ryanair is significantly scaling back its Spanish operations as well. Following a reduction of one million seats for the winter 2025 timetable, the airline has now announced an additional 1.2 million-seat cut for its summer 2026 schedule. Among the most notable reductions are the complete suspension of services to Asturias and Vigo, and the closure of Ryanair’s base at Santiago de Compostela. Furthermore, capacity reductions are expected at airports such as Santander and Zaragoza, with Ryanair also cutting back on services to the Canary Islands.

One of the key drivers behind these reductions is the 6.62% increase in airport charges imposed by Spanish airport operator Aena. Ryanair has strongly criticized the fee hikes, calling them “excessive” and “monopolistic.” The airline has argued that the increased charges make regional operations economically unsustainable, leading to the closure of bases and service reductions at smaller airports.

Despite the cuts, Ryanair’s competitors, including Vueling, Iberia, and Wizz Air, are expected to step in and provide alternative options for passengers. This will help mitigate the impact of Ryanair’s reductions, although regional airports that depend heavily on the airline for low-cost connectivity may still experience disruptions.

Germany: High Taxes and Regulatory Burdens Behind Cuts

In Germany, Ryanair has confirmed the cancellation of 24 routes for the Winter 2025/2026 schedule, which will remove nearly 800,000 seats from the market. The affected airports include major hubs such as Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne, with Ryanair also suspending services at Leipzig, Dresden, and Dortmund airports for 2026.

Ryanair attributes these cuts to the high air traffic control and security charges in Germany, as well as the country’s steep aviation taxes. The airline has expressed concerns that these high costs are making it increasingly difficult to maintain affordable service in Germany. Ryanair has compared the German market unfavorably to other European countries, such as Spain, Poland, and Ireland, which have lower or no aviation taxes, and where Ryanair has been able to maintain competitive fares.

The airline also pointed to the slow recovery of the German aviation market following the pandemic, operating at just 88% of pre-COVID levels, as another contributing factor to the reductions. Ryanair has called on the German government to reconsider its aviation policies, which it believes are undermining the competitiveness of German airports and hindering the growth of the aviation sector.

France: Withdrawal from Key Regional Airports

France is another country where Ryanair is reducing its footprint in 2026. The airline has already axed 750,000 seats and 25 routes to France in the winter of 2025, with full withdrawals from airports like Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg. Ryanair has cited higher French aviation taxes as the primary reason for these cuts, with the taxes making regional operations less financially viable.

However, Ryanair has also announced that it will resume flights to Bergerac during the summer of 2026, following discussions with French officials. Despite this, services to Brive and Strasbourg will remain suspended, and Ryanair has warned that more cancellations could follow as the regulatory environment in France becomes increasingly costly for low-cost carriers.

The airline also ceased operations at Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport in March 2026 due to environmental levies, further reducing its operations in France. Additionally, Ryanair has canceled its Dublin-Rodez route for 2026, highlighting its continued retreat from regional airports in France as a result of rising operational costs.

Belgium: The Impact of a New Aviation Levy

Belgium will also see a significant reduction in Ryanair’s operations. The airline has confirmed it will cut 20 routes and remove around one million seats from Brussels and Charleroi for the winter 2026/27 schedule. The increase in Belgium’s aviation tax, which will now double the passenger levy to €10, has played a major role in these reductions.

Ryanair has criticized the new levy, arguing that it will harm Belgium’s tourism industry by driving up the cost of air travel. The airline has called on the Belgian government to reverse the decision, stating that such tax increases are counterproductive to the goal of stimulating tourism and economic growth.

In addition to the tax hike, Ryanair has faced legal challenges in Belgium over its booking practices. A recent court ruling found several of Ryanair’s pricing strategies to be in violation of consumer protection laws, including charges for a 10kg carry-on bag and misleading marketing tactics. The court has imposed daily fines unless the airline revises its pricing structure, further complicating Ryanair’s operations in Belgium.

Ryanair’s Future in Europe

Ryanair’s aggressive strategy of slashing routes and scaling back operations in response to rising costs and regulatory pressures signals a shifting landscape in Europe’s aviation industry. While the airline has long been known for its ability to provide low-cost travel options across the continent, its ability to maintain these fares in the face of escalating taxes, airport charges, and environmental regulations is increasingly under threat.

The cuts will undoubtedly have a significant impact on passengers, especially those in regional markets that rely on Ryanair’s services. While other carriers, such as Vueling, Iberia, and Wizz Air, are likely to fill the void left by Ryanair’s reductions, travelers may face higher prices and fewer flight options.

Looking ahead, Ryanair’s ability to adapt to the changing regulatory and economic environment will be key to its continued success. While the airline remains a dominant force in European low-cost travel, its long-term strategy will depend on how effectively it can negotiate with airport operators, manage rising costs, and respond to growing competition in the market.

For now, passengers will need to adjust to the reality of fewer affordable travel options as Ryanair navigates its route reductions across Europe.