Ryanair is cutting routes across Belgium, Portugal’s Azores, and Spain in response to rising taxes, higher airport fees, and increased operating costs. The airline confirmed it will reduce capacity at Brussels Charleroi, exit the Azores entirely, and cut hundreds of thousands of seats across Spain. These changes are taking effect across 2025 and 2026, depending on the market. The decisions are driven by rising government-imposed charges and airport cost increases that Ryanair says have made operations unviable.
For years, Ryanair has relied on low airport charges and tax-efficient environments to offer ultra-low fares. However, with several governments and airports raising costs, the carrier is reshuffling its network. These cuts demonstrate how sensitive low-cost carriers are to even small increases in fees. Passengers in affected regions should expect fewer flights and reduced route diversity in upcoming seasons.
Cuts In Belgium: Aviation Tax Hike Drives Major Reductions
Ryanair will cut 1 million passengers from its Brussels Charleroi operation due to the Belgian government’s decision to double the national aviation tax once again. The announcement was made in its official statement, citing rising Belgian aviation taxes. This will lead to a reduction in based aircraft, frequencies, and routes at Charleroi for the upcoming seasons. Ryanair says these tax increases directly undermine Belgian connectivity.
The carrier argues that doubling the aviation tax makes low-fare operations unsustainable, prompting it to redirect capacity elsewhere in Europe. The reductions will particularly affect leisure and visiting friends and family (VFR) destinations from Charleroi. Ryanair stresses that the move is a response to government policy rather than a decline in demand. The carrier warns that further increases could lead to additional cuts. A Ryanair spokesperson told the media,
“This doubled tax leaves Belgium at a competitive disadvantage and forces us to reduce capacity where costs no longer support low fares.”
Complete Withdrawal From The Azores: Rising Charges Prompt Exit
Ryanair will abandon all service to the Azores after March 2026, resulting in the loss of approximately 400,000 seats annually.
The airline cites escalating airport charges as the primary reason for pulling out of the Portuguese archipelago. It notes that operating costs have risen to a point that makes continued service financially unworkable. As a result, all routes from the Azores will be discontinued.
According to Ryanair, rising airport fees and insufficient government action have created an environment incompatible with the low-fare model. Efforts to negotiate updated terms or incentives reportedly did not yield success. This has left the airline unable to maintain service profitably. The exit is expected to reduce affordability and connectivity for island residents.
The Azores rely heavily on air travel for tourism and year-round economic activity. Ryanair’s withdrawal will reduce competition and likely increase average fares on remaining services. Local businesses could feel the impact, especially during shoulder and off-peak seasons. The region may need to seek incentives or partnerships to restore lost capacity.
400,000 Seats Cut: Ryanair Abandons Azores Due To Rising Costs
The airline blames excessive airport fees and rising regulatory costs in Portugal.
Spain Seat Cuts: Cost Pressures Trigger 1 Million Reductions
Ryanair is cutting around 1.2 million seats in Spain, reshaping its summer 2026 offering as operating costs continue to pressure profitability. This includes significant reductions across multiple Spanish airports. While not a complete withdrawal like the Azores, the scale marks one of the most substantial Spanish cutbacks in recent years. Cost pressures, particularly escalating airport fees, are central to the airline’s decision.
Reductions span both mainland and island destinations, with some airports facing deeper cuts than others. Ryanair notes that increased airport charges have affected route viability more aggressively than anticipated. Seasonal performance trends further influence how capacity is being reorganized. As a result, passengers across several regions of Spain may experience fewer frequency options.
Across Belgium, the Azores, and Spain, Ryanair’s service reductions stem from the same underlying issue: rising costs that challenge its ultra-low-cost model. By shifting aircraft to lower-cost markets, the airline aims to protect profitability, even at the expense of regional connectivity. Further changes are possible if European airport and tax policies continue trending upward.
