Ryanair disputes with AENA, what are the consequences for Malaga?

Ryanair has announced it will cut 800,000 seats for the summer of 2025 in protest at the high airport charges imposed by Spanish airport operator Aena. The move has caused concern on the Costa del Sol. However, Malaga airport remains important to the airline. Elena Cabrera, Ryanair’s director for Spain and Portugal, said the company will continue to invest in Malaga, expecting growth of 7% in the summer of 2025. Despite the route cuts, Malaga remains a crucial hub for the airline. In 2024, the low-cost carrier carried 7.6 million passengers to Malaga, accounting for 30.5% of its total. Ryanair expects 6 million passengers for the summer of 2025, a growth of 7%. The cuts will mainly affect regional airports, where Ryanair says Aena’s charges are too high. The company will cease operations at airports such as Jerez and Valladolid. Flights to other airports will also be reduced.