Ryanair cuts multiple routes across Europe in 2026 due to rising aviation taxes
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Ryanair has announced the suspension of several routes and base closures for the 2026 summer season citing increased aviation taxes in key markets. The low-cost carrier will eliminate all flights to Asturias and Vigo in Spain while reducing capacity at Santander and Zaragoza. Connections to the Canary Islands face significant cuts as well.
The airline plans to close its base at Santiago de Compostela entirely. Additional route reductions target airports in France Germany Belgium and Portugal with one more French airport added to the list in early 2026 announcements. Ryanair attributes these decisions to unsustainable tax burdens that raise operating costs without corresponding infrastructure improvements.
Destinations affected include Berlin in Germany and Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands among others previously flagged. The carrier warns that higher taxes lead to reduced frequencies or full withdrawals impacting passenger choice and local economies reliant on tourism inflows. Ryanair maintains its position as Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers but emphasizes that tax policies force network adjustments.
These changes follow a pattern of route optimizations where the airline reallocates aircraft to lower-tax environments. Travelers planning 2026 trips to affected regions must seek alternatives from competing carriers or adjust itineraries. No immediate fare increases tie directly to these cuts though reduced competition on specific routes may influence pricing dynamics.
The move aligns with broader industry pressures from environmental levies and national fiscal policies targeting aviation. Ryanair continues to expand in markets with favorable conditions while scaling back where costs escalate disproportionately. Monitoring of further announcements remains essential as the 2026 schedule finalizes.
