Ryanair has effectively halted its capacity growth in Spain after eliminating nearly three million seats at regional airports since the summer of 2024. For the second quarter of this year, the airline forecasts a modest growth of just 0.6% in its offerings, as revealed by an analysis based on Cirium data. This stagnation contrasts sharply with the company's expanding operations in other markets, where growth is more pronounced.
Despite Spain remaining Ryanair's second-largest market, contributing approximately 11 million seats, the airline is redirecting its growth efforts towards destinations such as Poland, which boasts a 20.7% increase, and Morocco, experiencing a 13.1% rise in capacity. The variance in growth can largely be attributed to the differing economic and regulatory environments in these countries. Ryanair's strategic focus on Morocco underscores its adaptability in seeking more favorable operating conditions.
Eddie Wilson, the CEO of Ryanair, has highlighted the high costs associated with operating in Spanish airports as a significant barrier to growth. He pointed to the Moroccan case, where recent airport tariff reviews have led to increased traffic, contrasting this with what he perceives as a less competitive pricing policy in Spain. Criticism has been directed at the anticipated increases by Aena, Spain's airport operator, under the new regulatory framework (DORA III) for the period from 2027 to 2031. Ryanair estimates that these tariffs could rise by approximately 21%, which according to Wilson, would adversely affect Spain's competitiveness as a travel destination, limiting its ability to attract visitors and generate employment.
Furthermore, the airline has cautioned that the situation may deteriorate in the near term. Ryanair has already hinted at potential capacity cuts, especially as the upcoming winter season approaches, citing current costs that hinder the sustainability of certain operational levels. In response to these concerns, Maurici Lucena, the president of Aena, continues to defend the pricing model as being based on objective criteria. He explains that the fees are determined by operational costs, planned investments, and a risk-adjusted return.
As reported by preferente.com.
