Ryanair is also reducing flights to France by 13% this winter, citing increased 'solidarity tax' from the French government, which now costs €6.40 per ticket, up from €2.28, leading to the suspension of services to Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg.

CEO Michael O’Leary announced plans to increase staff bonuses and highlighted the opening of a new European base, positioning it as a gateway to the 'Maldives of Europe'.

Passengers face higher fees for oversized luggage, with charges up to £75 for checked bags at the gate, and Ryanair plans to incentivize gate staff to enforce stricter baggage rules.

While the immediate impact on travelers in the Canary Islands remains less severe, there is concern that ongoing policies could reduce investment and capacity in Spain’s regional airports over time.

Ryanair’s CEO criticized the French tax increase as unjustified, emphasizing that the affected airports are among the smallest in their network, and the airline plans to increase bonuses for staff enforcing baggage policies.

Industry critic Wilson accused Aena of failing to incentivize regional airports and proposed transferring control of less profitable airports to regional authorities to improve their competitiveness.

Aena responded by accusing Ryanair of 'blackmail' and attempting to force free airport access, amid ongoing tensions between the airline and the Spanish airport network.

Ryanair is planning to cut nearly one million seats across Spain in response to recent airport fee increases by Aena, the Spanish airport operator, which has sparked a broader conflict.

The airline criticizes Spain's focus on major hubs like Madrid and Barcelona, accusing the government of neglecting regional airports that are experiencing significant declines, such as Valladolid, which saw a 68% drop in traffic this summer compared to 2024.

The reduction in flights to regional airports threatens to undermine local economies, tourism, and post-COVID recovery efforts in less connected areas of Spain.

Aena has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the recent fee increases.

Experts warn that Ryanair’s withdrawal could lead to a long-term decline in regional air travel in Spain, with fewer tourists and economic opportunities, prompting calls for government intervention.

Spain welcomed 94 million international visitors last year, but tourism has already declined due to rising prices and anti-tourism campaigns, with major hubs like Palma de Majorca experiencing significant passenger drops.