Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary announced on Wednesday that the airline will reduce 1.2 million seats on routes to Spain next summer, citing rising airport charges and insufficient government backing. “Aena and the government keep damaging regional traffic growth, tourism, and jobs in Spain through high airport fees and unjustified price increases,” O’Leary said during a press briefing.
He labeled the situation a “government failure,” accusing Aena of operating a “monopoly” and calling for a 50% reduction in airport charges at underused regional airports. As part of the cost-cutting measures, Ryanair confirmed the closure of its Santiago base and the suspension of all flights to and from Asturias.
O’Leary also urged Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy to resign, or for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to dismiss him, amid an EU probe into airline fines related to carry-on luggage fees.
The Ryanair chief further noted that Boeing expects to secure certification for its Max 7 and Max 10 aircraft next year, paving the way to ramp production to 48 planes per month by March.
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