Ryanair is ready to remove another million seats from its flight schedule to Spain next summer due to an escalating dispute with airport operator Aena over increased fees. This was stated by the CEO of the carrier Michael O'Leary, reports the Financial Times, writes UNN.
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The Irish low-cost airline has already canceled about 2 million seats in the winter season due to its refusal to pay a 6.5% fare increase. O'Leary hinted that summer flights would also be cut.
I have to go back to Madrid in two weeks, and I'll probably announce another 1 million seats next summer. If prices in the Spanish region are too high, I'll fly somewhere else
Ryanair criticizes Aena for its "monopolistic approach" and claims that increased fees make regional airports unprofitable.
It's crazy that you have a country the size of Spain with one large monopoly operator
The Spanish government sided with Aena: Transport Minister Óscar Puente accused Ryanair of "blackmail," and the company's head Maurici Lucena called the carrier's actions "arrogant" and "plutocratic."
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Despite the high-profile conflict, Ryanair claims that the dispute has only stimulated demand – bookings increased by 8% in a week. Some of the canceled seats have already been redirected to Malaga, Palma, and Italian destinations.
Spain is the second largest market for Ryanair after Italy, providing 18% of the airline's revenue.