Spain’s booming tourism industry, which welcomed 94 million visitors in 2024, now faces mounting challenges. As the demand for holiday rentals continues to grow, housing pressures are intensifying rapidly. This shift has caused local rents to surge, creating unrest among residents and forcing officials to take action swiftly.
Meanwhile, Ryanair’s recent decision to reduce flights from key regional airports has added to the tension. As the airline slashes 800,000 seats for 2025, services on 12 routes are being cut entirely. For instance, Ryanair has completely withdrawn operations from Jerez and Valladolid while scaling back flights at other regional hubs. The airline attributes these cuts to high passenger fees imposed by Spanish airports.
Because of its ongoing dispute with Spain’s airport operator, AENA, Ryanair has called for changes in fee structures. The €10.10 passenger fee, although frozen for 2025, has become a major point of contention. Ryanair insists this fee discourages growth at smaller airports, which limits tourism opportunities outside major destinations.
However, despite these reductions at regional airports, Ryanair remains optimistic about achieving a 5% growth in passenger numbers. This increase is expected as the airline focuses on expanding its operations at major airports, which continue to attract more visitors. Even so, these cuts could undermine Spain’s efforts to promote tourism evenly across the country.
Moreover, the UK continues to dominate Spain’s tourism sector, driving a 6.5% rise in visitors last year. While Spain celebrates its record-breaking achievements, these challenges highlight the urgent need for balanced solutions. Addressing both the housing crisis and airline disputes is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of its tourism industry.
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