Ryanair to expand in Spain amid fuel cost warnings

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has announced plans for rapid expansion in Spain, specifically targeting major airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, and Málaga. This growth follows a decision by the Spanish government to limit airport fee increases; while Aena had requested a cumulative rise of 22% over five years, the approved increase was set at 1.6%, maintaining relative stability for the carrier.

O’Leary indicated that the airline will likely allocate more aircraft to Spain, potentially utilizing its upcoming fleet of Boeing 737 Max 10 models.

Regarding broader market trends, O’Leary warned that rising aviation fuel costs could significantly impact ticket prices for competitors. He predicted that traditional carriers might implement fuel surcharges, potentially driving ticket prices up by 10% to 20% by next summer. While Ryanair intends to avoid separate fuel surcharges, the CEO noted that the airline cannot remain entirely immune to market pressures, though it aims to maintain its competitive edge through its business model.