Ryanair to Halt Azores Flights in March 2026 Due to Skyrocketing Airport Fees
Ryanair, a leading budget airline in Europe, has announced its decision to cease all flights to and from the Azores, effective March 29, 2026.
In a statement made on November 20, 2025, Ryanair attributed this move to soaring airport fees in Portugal, which are overseen by ANA, the primary operator of airports in the country. The airline also voiced frustration with the Portuguese government for its lack of action regarding these rising costs.
According to Ryanair, there has been a staggering 120% increase in air traffic control (ATC) fees since the onset of the pandemic, compounded by a €2 travel tax. Meanwhile, other countries in Europe have been eliminating similar taxes to encourage growth in air travel capacity.
The airline expressed concern that ANA’s monopoly has hindered improvements in low-cost connectivity to the Azores, as it faces no competition within Portugal. This lack of competition has allowed the airline to raise airport fees unchecked, according to Ryanair’s statements.
Ryanair emphasized the necessity for the Portuguese government to take action, arguing that airports should cater to the needs of Portuguese citizens rather than serving a monopolistic agenda.
“After a decade of consistent operations in one of Europe’s most isolated regions, the loss of direct low-fare flights to London, Brussels, Lisbon, and Porto will be felt significantly,” said Jason McGuinness, Chief Commercial Officer at Ryanair. He pointed out that high airport fees and governmental inaction are to blame.
The European Union’s regulations and taxes have further complicated the competitive landscape for remote regions like the Azores. For instance, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) currently applies only to flights within Europe, allowing more polluting long-haul flights to destinations such as the US and the Middle East to avoid these regulations.
Recently, the EU broadened the scope of the ETS to encompass remote areas like the Azores.
How do you feel about the impact of rising fees on air travel in remote regions?
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