Ryanair is set to undergo significant changes to its network of European routes in 2026, with plans to withdraw from certain airports entirely. This includes the decision to halt all flights to the popular ‘Hawaii of Europe’ destination.
The low-cost airline, which was founded in 1985, is expected to close bases at various airports and discontinue select routes without prior announcement. Notably, the Azores region in Portugal, often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe,’ and the Asturias region in Spain will no longer have Ryanair flights operating.
The closure of the Azores route, effective from March 29, 2026, will impact around 400,000 passengers annually, leading to reduced non-stop flight options and increased average ticket prices. Ryanair attributes this decision to escalated airport fees and air traffic control charges.
Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, expressed disappointment over the situation, citing rising airport fees imposed by the French airport monopoly ANA as a primary reason for the route cancellation. The airline plans to redirect its capacity to more cost-effective airports within the broader Ryanair Group network.
In addition to the complete withdrawal from certain destinations, Ryanair will also maintain route closures at airports in Germany and the Netherlands, with substantial seat reductions in the German market for the upcoming travel season. The airline points to air traffic control fees, security charges, and aviation taxes as contributing factors to these operational adjustments.
Ryanair’s service modifications, termed as ‘capacity changes,’ have been confirmed by various stakeholders but have not been formally announced by the airline itself. These alterations extend to several regions in Spain and France, where flights will be suspended or reduced in the coming months.
Despite these route cuts, Ryanair affirms its commitment to popular European destinations but emphasizes the need for alignment with government policies and airport charges to sustain its low-cost business model. Alternative airlines such as Vueling, Binter, Iberia, and Wizz Air are poised to fill the void left by Ryanair’s reduced services.
Passengers impacted by these changes may find alternative options with competing airlines, ensuring continued accessibility to key European destinations.
