Ryanair drops 60 routes for winter 2025/26: What expats in Spain need to know

November 16, 2025 at 09:48 AM•2 min read•Lottie Verrier

Ryanair will cut 60 routes from its winter 2025/26 timetable, impacting travelers in the UK, Spain, France, and Belgium, citing rising operational costs and air traffic management challenges as the primary drivers.

Key Points

1Ryanair is cutting 60 routes from its winter 2025/26 timetable.
2The cuts affect travelers in the UK, Spain, France, and Belgium.
3Rising operational costs and air traffic management challenges are cited as reasons for the cuts.
4Several routes are impacted, including Belfast International to Valencia, Glasgow to Brussels Charleroi, and Leeds Bradford to Paris Beauvais.
5Passengers with existing bookings are offered rebooking options or refunds.
6The airline will operate around one million fewer seats during the winter months in Spain.

Ryanair is set to reduce its winter 2025/26 schedule by 60 routes, a move that significantly affects travelers across the UK, Spain, France, and Belgium. The route reductions, slated to begin in late October 2025, are a strategic response to escalating operational costs and persistent air traffic management issues throughout Europe. Ryanair aims to streamline its winter operations by prioritizing routes with stronger demand and greater commercial viability. The changes will result in approximately one million fewer seats available in Spain during the winter months, with Valencia Airport experiencing notable reductions as aircraft are reallocated to more profitable markets. Similar pressures are evident in the UK and France, where government-imposed fees contribute to the airline's rising expenses.

The airline attributes these route losses to higher airport charges, increased taxes, and ongoing air traffic control restrictions, all of which are shaping Ryanair's winter strategy. Several popular international connections will be affected, including Belfast International to Valencia, Glasgow to Brussels Charleroi, and Leeds Bradford to Paris Beauvais. These cuts represent one of Ryanair's most substantial seasonal reductions in recent years, particularly impacting expats in Spain who rely on the airline's extensive European network for affordable travel to the UK.

Ryanair's decision aligns with a broader trend within the European airline industry, where carriers are adjusting winter schedules earlier than usual due to rising fuel costs, infrastructure constraints, and the need to maintain profitability during lower-demand periods. Passengers with existing bookings on affected routes are being offered rebooking options or refunds through Ryanair's updates portal. However, travelers planning winter trips are advised to verify schedules early, as alternatives on the same dates may be limited.

Alternative options for affected travelers include exploring comparable routes offered by other airlines such as EasyJet, Wizz Air, and British Airways, although fares may vary due to reduced low-cost competition. Ryanair's official website remains the most reliable source for up-to-date information on changes, cancellations, and new route announcements. These cancellations follow earlier route cuts announced in September 2025, suggesting that the airline may continue adjusting its winter operations as financial pressures evolve.

Airport fees and regulatory charges in markets such as the UK, Spain, and France will continue to play a significant role in shaping Ryanair's future schedules. The airline's strategic adjustments reflect the ongoing challenges faced by European carriers in balancing operational costs with maintaining affordable travel options for passengers.