Ryanair threatens new capacity cuts in Spain – concern for Mallorca routes

Ryanair warns: Fewer seats heading to Spain possible

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At the Son Sant Joan airport in Palma you can already feel it: on a Tuesday afternoon more suitcases than usual are on the trolleys, and at the cafés under the departure deck regulars sit and discuss a line they hoped not to hear. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has announced that his airline could further reduce capacities in Spain. The reason cited is the recent fee increase by the airport operator AENA of about 6.5 percent.

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What happened?

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The low-cost airline has already cut hundreds of thousands of seats from its Spain program for 2025. That drew eye rolls on the island: fewer flights, less flexibility for holidaymakers and business travelers, and potentially higher prices for the remaining seats. O'Leary makes clear that Ryanair, in the face of rising costs, prefers to fly to airports with cheaper conditions — a threat that Mallorca won't ignore.

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AENA responds sharply: The group rejects the allegations. In internal statements it says Ryanair distorts numbers and wants to pass costs onto taxpayers and operators, while the airline itself wants to protect its margin. A classic exchange of blows, but here much more is at stake than reputation: jobs, hotel bookings in winter, and the offer of direct connections.

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I observed late afternoon at the baggage claim how tour guides explained the situation with nervous smiles. A hotel manager in Portixol calculated that if a connection disappears, fewer guests come spontaneously for the weekend. We notice it immediately at breakfast. Such voices are heard across the island.

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What does this mean concretely for Mallorca?

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Fewer seats can quickly lead to higher prices, especially in the shoulder season and autumn. For taxi and bus companies, the hospitality industry, and many seasonal workers this is not a hollow risk. On the other hand, relocating flights to other airports in Southern Europe would be economically sensible for Ryanair, but bad for Mallorca's accessibility.

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Time will tell whether this remains mere saber-rattling or negotiations calm down. For the island, this means: watch the discussions, be ready to act quickly if the first connections disappear permanently. Until then, travelers should: plan early, compare prices, and stay alert — especially on stormy days or when the airport has full parking decks.