Ryanair cuts one million seats from Spanish routes, cancels Tenerife North flights

Ryanair has made major cut reductions to its Spanish network, taking out one million seats for the winter season. 

The action involves the cancellation of all flights to Tenerife North and the suspension of operation from a number of regional airports.

The airline said it will close its two aircraft base in Santiago, half flights to Vigo starting from January 1, 2026, and stop Tenerife North service at the start of the winter season. 

Capacity has also been reduced at Zaragoza by 45 percent, Santander by 38 percent Asturias by 16 percent, and Vitoria by 2 percent.

A total of 36 direct connections between regional Spanish airports and the Canary Islands have been cancelled.

Ryanair stated the cuts are a response to Spanish airport operation AENA’s plan to increase passenger fees by 6.62 percent next year. 

The airline warned that the decision will affect regional airports, tourism, jobs, and connectivity, making some routes financially unviable.

Despite the reductions, Ryanair said it remains committed to expanding in Spain’s regions. CEO Eddie Wilson added that the airline will redirect capacity to “more efficient airports” in Italy, Morocco, Croatia, Sweden, and Hungary.

The announcement comes as Ryanair reported a 02 percent increase in passengers in August 2025, carrying 21 million travellers compared to 20.5 million in August 2024.