Ryanair will increase this summer its capacity at Barcelona airport by 2% and at Reus airport by 6%, while in Girona a reduction in traffic is foreseen for the first time since before the pandemic. The company has linked these changes to the current system of airport fees, which it considers uncompetitive.
Barcelona adds routes and weekly flights
At El Prat airport, Ryanair will operate 62 routes during the summer season. Among them, a new daily connection with Bratislava stands out. The airline expects to exceed 590 weekly flights and reinforce 22 existing routes, with destinations such as Manchester, Porto or Milan. The company has reiterated its commitment to Barcelona, albeit at a more moderate pace until the infrastructure is expanded.
Reus expands operations towards United Kingdom and Ireland
In Reus, Ryanair will offer 12 routes to five countries starting in March. The volume of weekly flights will reach 70, with reinforcements planned towards the United Kingdom and Ireland during the summer months. Capacity at this airport will grow by 6% compared to the previous year.
Girona registers the first fall since the pandemic
Girona airport will see Ryanair traffic decrease, according to the company, for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The airline will maintain 34 routes to 13 countries and will add a new connection with Bucharest, with up to 160 weekly flights. However, the company had proposed placing a fifth aircraft in Girona, which would mean a 42% increase in capacity, although this proposal is still awaiting a response from the Spanish government.
Criticisms of the fee system and petitions to the authorities
Ryanair has criticized that Aena's current fee model does not favor the growth of destinations like the Costa Daurada in low season. The company has urged the CNMC and the Ministry of Transport to reject any fee increase so as not to harm the competitiveness of Catalan airports.
"We maintain expansion plans in Catalan airports if economic conditions improve" - Alejandra Ruiz, Ryanair spokesperson in Spain
According to Ruiz, the creation of a new base in Reus would allow for a 67% increase in capacity, although the decision is awaiting an official response.