Ryanair too End All Flights to Asturias, Sparking Tourism Concerns
Oviedo, Spain – Ryanair will discontinue all flights to and from Asturias, Spain, this winter, a move that threatens to derail regional tourism efforts and reignites a contentious relationship between the airline and Spanish authorities. The final flight is scheduled for the end of October, effectively cutting off direct air access to the region during the off-season.
The decision comes as Spain attempts to address overtourism in popular coastal areas by promoting lesser-known destinations like Asturias, known for its rugged coastline, mountains, and cider culture. However,the lack of accessible flights to these option locations undermines those efforts,creating a potential “tourism catastrophe” for regional Spain,according to Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson.The airline’s withdrawal follows years of reported subsidies from regional governments aimed at maintaining routes despite low profitability, and escalating public criticism of Ryanair’s business practices.
Ryanair’s decision to pull out of Asturias is the latest in a series of route cancellations across Spain, raising questions about the airline’s long-term commitment to the country. CEO Eddie Wilson stated in a recent interview with Cadena Ser radio that Ryanair “wanted to continue growing in Spain but needed ‘less interference from communist ministers’,” specifically referencing Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy, whom O’Leary has previously publicly criticized.
Spanish news outlet Xataka reported that the government of Cantabria previously provided Ryanair with €18 million in subsidies to maintain routes. Simultaneously occurring, Infolibre published an article detailing how Ryanair has allegedly built its dominance in Spain through “insults, pressure, and conflict.”
The route cuts also coincide with a new promotional campaign focused on Spain’s interior, a campaign that is hampered by the existing lack of international flights to these areas, as previously reported by The Local. it remains unclear whether other airlines will fill the void left by Ryanair’s departure from Asturias.
