Ryanair is set to undergo significant changes to its European route network in 2026, which will involve the closure of operations at certain airports, including the suspension of flights to the ‘Hawaii of Europe.’
The budget-friendly airline, founded in 1985, is planning to shut down bases at several airports and terminate some routes quietly, potentially catching travelers off guard when they attempt to make bookings.
The most notable changes are occurring in the Azores region of Portugal, often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe,’ and the Asturias region of Spain, where all flights will cease operation.
The closure of the Azores route, effective from March 29, 2026, will impact around 400,000 passengers annually, leading to fewer direct flight options and higher average ticket prices. Ryanair attributes this decision to increased airport fees and air traffic control charges.
Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, expressed disappointment over the situation, citing escalating airport fees in Portugal as the reason for the Azores route cancellation. As a result of these rising costs, the airline has no choice but to discontinue all flights to the Azores and redirect capacity to more cost-effective airports within the Ryanair Group network across Europe.
Aside from complete service terminations, Ryanair will also maintain closed routes at airports in Germany and the Netherlands. The airline will significantly reduce its presence in the German market, eliminating nearly 800,000 seats for the Winter 2025/2026 season due to factors like air traffic control fees and aviation taxes.
The company characterizes these alterations as ‘capacity changes,’ with announcements being made by airport operators, regional governments, and media outlets rather than directly by Ryanair itself.
In Spain, various regions such as Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, Tenerife North, Jerez, and Valladolid will experience adjustments in Ryanair services. Likewise, flight suspensions in France to destinations like Brive and Strasbourg are expected to continue into 2026, with a potential return to Bergerac in the summer of that year.
Even airports where Ryanair maintains operations will see route reductions. For example, Ryanair plans to discontinue routes from Cork Airport in Ireland to Poznań, Gdańsk, and Rome starting March 2026. Additionally, the airline will cut around 20 routes and one million seats from airports in Belgium in the winter of 26/27.
Passengers should anticipate route cuts across Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia affecting airports such as Banja Luka, Niš, Zadar, and Rijeka due to the evolving landscape of government policies and airport charges aligning with Ryanair’s low-cost business model.
Despite these changes, popular European destinations will still be accessible through other airlines like Vueling, Binter, Iberia, and Wizz Air, stepping in to fill the gaps left by Ryanair’s adjustments.