Zaragoza’s hopes of becoming a stronger secondary hub have suffered another blow after Ryanair confirmed that winter capacity will fall by 18.2 % compared with 2024 following the axing of routes to Fez, Paris and Palma. The reduction equals 9,499 fewer seats between November and December, according to an analysis by El Español.
The Irish low-cost carrier has been embroiled in a long-running dispute with state-owned airport operator Aena over passenger-fee levels. While Aena froze tariffs during the pandemic and cancelled a planned 2025 increase, Ryanair argues Spanish charges are still uncompetitive. The airline is redeploying aircraft to faster-growing markets in Italy, Hungary and Morocco.
![Ryanair Route Cuts Slash Zaragoza Airport’s Winter Seat Capacity by 18 %]()
For businesses in Aragón, the cuts mean fewer direct links to key European capitals, increasing reliance on Madrid-Barajas or Barcelona-El Prat and potentially adding rail or road legs to itineraries. Exporters of Zaragoza’s high-value automotive and agri-food products also face longer cargo lead-times, as Ryanair belly-hold capacity disappears.
Local authorities are lobbying the Ministry of Transport to introduce an incentives package—possibly mirroring Andalusia’s rebate scheme—to lure back low-cost operators. Until then, travel-buyers should anticipate higher fares on remaining routes and limited weekend frequencies.
The situation illustrates how Spain’s regional airports can be disproportionately affected when a single carrier withdraws capacity, underlining the importance of network diversification for both passenger and freight connectivity.
The Irish low-cost carrier has been embroiled in a long-running dispute with state-owned airport operator Aena over passenger-fee levels. While Aena froze tariffs during the pandemic and cancelled a planned 2025 increase, Ryanair argues Spanish charges are still uncompetitive. The airline is redeploying aircraft to faster-growing markets in Italy, Hungary and Morocco.
For businesses in Aragón, the cuts mean fewer direct links to key European capitals, increasing reliance on Madrid-Barajas or Barcelona-El Prat and potentially adding rail or road legs to itineraries. Exporters of Zaragoza’s high-value automotive and agri-food products also face longer cargo lead-times, as Ryanair belly-hold capacity disappears.
Local authorities are lobbying the Ministry of Transport to introduce an incentives package—possibly mirroring Andalusia’s rebate scheme—to lure back low-cost operators. Until then, travel-buyers should anticipate higher fares on remaining routes and limited weekend frequencies.
The situation illustrates how Spain’s regional airports can be disproportionately affected when a single carrier withdraws capacity, underlining the importance of network diversification for both passenger and freight connectivity.
