- Ryanair and the Regional Government of the Azores are preparing to reopen dialogue
- Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson reported the airline left because regional authorities breached the contract
- The Regional Government will send a formal letter inviting Wilson to visit
- Visit Azores denied the breach-of-contract claim
- Ryanair ended operations to the Azores on 29 March 2026
Ryanair and the Regional Government of the Azores are preparing to reopen dialogue regarding a potential return of the airline to the archipelago. Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson reported on 10 November 2026 that the airline exited the Azores because regional authorities breached the contract. Wilson signalled openness to a return and reported Ryanair would be very happy to talk if it could find trustworthy people who honour agreements.
Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure Berta Cabral interpreted Wilson’s remarks as signs of openness. She reported on 11 November that the Regional Government would send a formal letter on 12 November inviting Wilson to visit the Azores to open dialogue. Visit Azores rejected Wilson’s breach-of-contract claim and reported that a prior promotional agreement was invalidated by Ryanair’s own decision to withdraw.
Ryanair ceased all operations to the Azores at the end of March 2026, ending over a decade of service. The closure eliminated six routes and approximately 400,000 annual seats. The airline blamed rising airport fees charged by ANA/VINCI, increased air navigation charges and EU environmental taxes. Local business groups estimate the loss of connectivity is costing the region up to €166m annually.
Eddie Wilson shared “Ryanair does not do business with those who break contracts.”
