Ryanair is reportedly set to slash nearly one million passenger seats on flights to and from Spain's regional airports this winter, a move that is sure to hit British holidaymakers as well as impact the strength of local economies.
The decision is a direct response to a planned 6.5 per cent fee increase by Aena, the state-controlled Spanish airport operator.
This latest increase will go towards partly funding major expansion projects at Madrid and Barcelona airports; however, Ryanair argues the higher charges make it unprofitable to serve smaller, provincial hubs.
An official announcement is expected on Wednesday, September 3.
Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson has been cited in Spanish media as saying the airline will "invest where we can get a return."
This isn't the first time the budget carrier has reacted this way. Earlier this year, Ryanair already cut around 800,000 seats and discontinued a dozen routes in Spain, citing "excessive fees."
For travellers and residents in Spain's sparsely populated regions, known as the "España vaciada" (Empty Spain), the cuts are a major blow. The cheap, frequent connections that are vital for local economies are exactly the kind of routes airlines cull when costs rise and planes are needed elsewhere.
As a result, winter schedules at a handful of regional airports are expected to thin out considerably, while Madrid and Barcelona will continue to see strong growth.
Ryanair has made its position clear. Wilson has suggested solutions such as tailored, performance-based incentives for airlines and tariffs that reflect local demand, rather than a single national rate.
The airline's ultimatum to the Spanish government is blunt: change the model or watch capacity migrate to countries with a warmer welcome.
This latest row is complicated by a separate dispute over hand luggage charges, which recently led to a €108 million fine against Ryanair by Spanish authorities. The airline has called the fine "populist," suggesting the government's actions are making Spain a tougher place to do business.
As Londoners plan their winter getaways, the advice for Spain-bound travellers is simple: check your route early and be prepared to connect through a major hub if your regional airport loses its direct link.
