Ryanair cuts flights, drops 1.7M seats over new taxes

Ryanair is significantly reducing its operations in both Spain and Denmark due to rising operational costs, including new aviation taxes. In Spain, the airline is cutting 800,000 seats, nearly 20% of its routes, which could lead to higher fares for travelers, particularly affecting the UK to Santander route. Meanwhile, Ryanair plans to close its Billund base in Denmark and cease all flights to Aalborg by March 2025, resulting in a loss of over 1.7 million seats and $200 million in investments. The airline cites a new passenger tax imposed by the Danish government as a major factor in its decision, which could further harm Denmark's connectivity and economic recovery post-COVID. Ryanair's actions reflect ongoing challenges with airport charges and competitive pressures within Europe, as it seeks to reallocate resources to more favorable markets. Travel experts advise customers to book flights soon to avoid rising prices as Ryanair adjusts its capacity.