Ryanair, the low-cost airline with the most air traffic in Spain is cutting 15 routes as from November 1st and reducing flight frequency on another 46 in response to the government decision to increase airport taxes by 50% in some cases, such as in Madrid and Barcelona.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, not renowned for diplomacy, announced the decision at a press conference in Madrid. He said that the airline would transfer the flights to more affordable airports.
According to Mr O’Leary, Madrid and Barcelona airports stand to lose 2.3 million passengers and 2,000 jobs as a result of the government’s decision.
Regarding the cancelled routes, these are 11 out of Madrid and 4 out of Barcelona and include flights to Frankfurt and Manchester. The reduced frequencies affect 24 routes out of Madrid and 22 out of Barcelona.
Mr O’Leary has, however, left the door open to reconsider his decision if the government and AENA revoke the tax increase which, he says, will affect tourism, employment and the economy as a whole.
Ryanair was one of the airlines which retroactively charged passengers for the tax increase on tickets purchased before July 1st 2012 when the new rates took effect. To have absorbed the costs, as some airlines did, would have cost the airline in the region of €20 million.