Ryanair will not reopen its seasonal base in Ponta Delgada, Azores, this summer due to increased airport fees.
The budget carrier’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, stated that operating in Ponta Delgada would not be financially viable, as costs have risen by 9% and demand drops significantly during the winter months.
O’Leary criticized ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, the airport authority, for raising fees without competition, effectively “killing Ryanair’s base” in Ponta Delgada.
Ryanair may also consider closing its base in Funchal, Madeira, where fees have increased by 6% this year, further affecting its operations in Portugal.
