Ryanair has announced significant route cuts across Europe for the year 2026, impacting millions of passengers. The budget airline, known for its extensive network, plans to eliminate several key routes in countries including Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, and Portugal. The decision comes amidst rising operational costs and regulatory challenges, which Ryanair claims are making several destinations less competitive.
Major Cuts in Germany
In October 2025, Ryanair revealed it would be discontinuing 24 routes to and from Germany, resulting in a reduction of almost 800,000 seats for the Winter 2025/2026 schedule. This move affects nine airports, including Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne. Operations will remain suspended at Dresden, Dortmund, and Leipzig into 2026. Ryanair has pointed to high air traffic control (ATC) fees and aviation taxes as key factors driving these changes, criticizing the German government for undermining competitiveness.
According to Ryanair, “Germany’s sky-high access costs are in stark contrast with countries such as Ireland and Spain, which have eliminated aviation taxes.” The airline further noted that Germany’s air traffic market is lagging, operating at just 88 percent of pre-COVID levels. Ryanair has warned of potential further reductions if these issues are not addressed, though it remains open to increasing capacity should the situation improve.
Spain’s Route Reductions
Ryanair has also announced substantial cuts to its Spanish operations, reducing capacity by approximately 1.2 million seats from its Summer 2026 schedule. The airline will cease all flights to Asturias and Vigo, and plans to close its base at Santiago de Compostela. Ongoing disputes with Spanish airport operator Aena over increased airport fees and taxes have prompted these decisions.
The airline criticized Aena’s pricing strategy, claiming it forces regional airports to charge rates similar to those of major hubs like Madrid and Barcelona. Ryanair has shifted its focus to larger Spanish airports with higher passenger demand and air fares, while also exploring alternatives in lower-cost destinations such as Croatia and Morocco.
Impact on France and Belgium
Ryanair’s French operations will also see significant changes, with a reduction of 750,000 seats and 25 routes cut for Winter 2025. While some flights to Bergerac will resume in Summer 2026, connections to Brive and Strasbourg will remain suspended. Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, Jason McGuinness, hinted at further cancellations if the current conditions persist.
In Belgium, Ryanair plans to eliminate 20 routes, affecting approximately one million seats, primarily due to a new aviation tax set to double the charge to €10 per passenger. This decision represents a 22 percent reduction in Ryanair’s capacity in the country, as the airline also withdraws five aircraft from its bases in Brussels and Charleroi.
Challenges in Portugal and the Balkans
Ryanair will also discontinue all six routes to the Azores beginning at the end of March 2026. This move impacts around 400,000 passengers annually and results in a 22 percent capacity reduction in Portugal. The airline cited increasing air traffic control fees and new travel taxes as significant challenges.
In addition, Ryanair plans to reduce operations in Bosnia and Serbia, reallocating resources to regions with higher summer demand, such as Croatia. This includes cutting six weekly flights from Banja Luka and reducing services from Niš.
Ryanair’s ongoing adjustments reflect a broader struggle within the airline industry as carriers navigate rising costs and complex regulatory environments. The decisions made by Ryanair will undoubtedly reshape air travel options across Europe, affecting both leisure and business travelers.
