Ryanair has announced it will terminate all flight services to the Azores, the stunning volcanic archipelago often dubbed the 'Hawaii of Europe', in a move that will affect approximately 400,000 passengers annually. The Irish low-cost carrier confirmed the cancellations will take effect from March 29, 2026, unless a sharp increase in airport taxes and landing charges is reversed by Portuguese authorities.
Fee Dispute Forces Route Cuts
The decision stems from a bitter dispute over air traffic control fees, which Ryanair claims have surged by 120% due to government inaction. CEO Michael O'Leary has publicly criticised the Portuguese administration, accusing it of failing to address the escalating costs that make operations in the Azores financially unviable. The airline states it has 'no alternative' but to withdraw completely from the region.
Impact on Connectivity
Six key routes will be axed, including connections from London, Brussels, Lisbon, and Porto. This withdrawal marks the end of Ryanair's presence on the islands, involving the closure of its operational base in Ponta Delgada. Consequently, British Airways will become the sole provider of UK flights to the Azores, operating services from London Heathrow with one-way fares starting from £113.
Regional Reaction and Negotiations
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure of the Azores expressed surprise at the announcement, noting it contradicts previous positive discussions about investment in the area. Local media reports indicate that negotiations are ongoing, and the route eliminations are not yet finalised, offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution.
Broader Context of Ryanair's Strategy
This move is part of a wider pattern of route culls across Europe by Ryanair. In recent announcements, the airline has targeted destinations in Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal, potentially slashing around three million seats. These cuts significantly impact connectivity for smaller cities, echoing similar disruptions reported in 2025 when winter flights to Vigo, Spain, were suspended, leaving the city without direct UK links.
Despite these challenges, Ryanair has also pursued expansion in other areas. 2025 saw significant growth in its winter schedule, particularly in the UK, Finland, and Italy, with plans to boost passenger numbers and invest in bases like Shannon Airport in Ireland. However, the airline has faced setbacks, including persistent Boeing delivery delays and backlash over phasing out physical boarding passes.
The Azores: A Tourism Gem at Risk
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes—featuring vertical green fields, rocky sea pillars, and cascading waterfalls. Often compared to Hawaii for its natural beauty, it has emerged as a premier eco-tourism destination, recently named Europe's top spot for American travellers with a 203% increase in flights from North America in July 2024 alone.
As tourist hotspots globally grapple with overtourism, the Azores has remained relatively unspoilt, but its growing popularity could be hampered by reduced air accessibility. The loss of Ryanair's budget-friendly services may limit travel options for many, potentially affecting the local economy and visitor numbers to this 'Islands of Colours'.
