Ryanair welcomes Spanish government decision on AENA airport charges

Ryanair welcomes rejection of Aena’s proposed 21pc airport charge increase
Government approved more limited adjustment
Aena charges have already risen 11pc since 2024
Ryanair has withdrawn capacity from high-cost Spanish airports
Airline preparing to receive 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft

Ryanair has welcomed the Spanish Government’s decision on 15 September 2026 to reject Aena’s proposed 21pc increase in airport charges. The airline confirmed that such a rise would have severely damaged Spain’s competitiveness and blocked traffic growth over the next five years. The Government instead approved a more limited adjustment, but Ryanair argued this still represented a missed opportunity. The carrier noted that Aena’s charges have already risen by 11pc since 2024.

Ryanair stated the decision ignores the National Commission on Markets and Competition’s recommendation for a 3pc reduction and locks in already excessive costs. Lower charges would have allowed Spain to compete more aggressively for scarce aircraft capacity and accelerate growth across the entire airport network including regional airports. Ryanair has repeatedly shown that competitive access costs bring more aircraft, routes, traffic and investment.

Ryanair confirmed it has already withdrawn capacity from high-cost Spanish airports while growing in markets such as Morocco, Italy, Albania, Sweden and Slovakia where governments and airports are actively reducing costs to attract traffic. Looking ahead, Ryanair is preparing to receive 300 new Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft that will drive expansion across Europe. The airline confirmed these aircraft will be allocated to countries and airports offering the most competitive access costs. Ryanair remains willing to work with Aena and the Spanish Government to maximise growth in Spain.