# Ryanair and Spanish government airport fee dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ryanair-and-spanish-government-airport-fee-dispute > Updated: 2026-08-31T03:35:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. A dispute between Ryanair and the Spanish government has intensified regarding airport taxation and operating fees. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente, claiming that high fees charged by the state-managed operator Aena are preventing the development of new routes. In response, the airline announced plans to reduce seat capacity at Spanish regional airports by approximately 3 million between 2025 and 2026, redirecting aircraft to more competitive markets in Europe and North Africa. Minister Puente defended the fee structure, suggesting the airline’s criticisms may mask issues regarding aircraft availability. The conflict has also impacted Aena’s stock price. In addition to the taxation dispute, Ryanair faced a legal setback in Vigo, where a court ordered the airline to pay 250 euros to Flightright GmbH following a passenger claim regarding a flight delay. While the airline alleged fraudulent signatures in the claim, the judge dismissed these suspicions. Meanwhile, the broader airline industry association (ALA) is also seeking reductions in airport tariffs through regulatory channels. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Ryanair faces legal ruling in Vigo and ongoing dispute over Spanish airport fees Ryanair faces legal setbacks in Vigo over passenger claims and continues a dispute with Spanish authorities regarding high airport fees managed by Aena. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-faces-legal-ruling-in-vigo-and-ongoing-dispute-over-spanish-airport-fees ### 2026-08-28: Ryanair disputes Spanish airport taxes and reduces regional capacity Ryanair is reducing its seat capacity in Spanish regional airports by 3 million, blaming high airport taxes managed by Aena and sparking a heated dispute with Transport Minister Óscar Puente. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-disputes-spanish-airport-taxes-and-reduces-regional-capacity --- Cite as: Ryanair and Spanish government airport fee dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ryanair-and-spanish-government-airport-fee-dispute