Spain’s enviable climate, culture, and affordability have long made it one of Europe’s top destinations for holidaymakers and second-home owners. Cheap flights, particularly those provided by low-cost carriers like Ryanair, have been central to this appeal. But this winter, a major shift is on the horizon: Ryanair is scaling back its Spanish operations, cutting around one million seats from its schedule and closing several routes altogether.
The cuts will be felt most keenly in regional airports. Ryanair has confirmed the closure of its base in Santiago de Compostela, the suspension of all flights to Vigo from January 2026, and the end of services to Tenerife North at the start of the winter timetable. Entire airports such as Jerez and Valladolid will lose Ryanair service completely. Other airports, while not losing all flights, will face sharp reductions. Zaragoza is expected to see nearly half of its Ryanair capacity vanish, Santander around a third, and Asturias about a sixth. Even Vitoria, one of the smaller operations, will be affected.
The airline cites rising airport charges from Spain’s national operator, Aena, as the key reason. A planned increase of around 6.5% in passenger and airport fees is being described by Ryanair as unsustainable, particularly for regional airports that rely heavily on budget carriers. Without a change in policy, Ryanair has warned that further reductions may follow in summer 2026.
For holiday homeowners and property investors, the implications are significant. Easy access has always been one of Spain’s strongest selling points, and reductions in connectivity could impact both rental yields and long-term property values in affected regions. While major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Alicante remain secure, smaller destinations — which often attract buyers seeking authentic experiences away from the crowds — may feel the pinch. That said, Spain remains one of Europe’s most resilient property markets, and demand from both domestic and international buyers remains strong. For those considering investment, these changes may shift attention back to areas with robust transport links, while also presenting potential opportunities in regions where reduced flights may temporarily soften demand.
The dispute between Ryanair and Aena is ongoing, and negotiations could still change the landscape before summer 2026. In the meantime, property buyers and owners in affected regions would be wise to keep a close eye on developments — and to consider the long-term fundamentals that continue to make Spain a world-class place to live and invest.
