# Sardinia airport tax and aviation capacity dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sardinia-airport-tax-and-aviation-capacity-dispute > Updated: 2026-08-17T10:11:17.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Sardinian regional government is facing political and industry criticism regarding its management of airport passenger surcharges. Initially, Ryanair criticized the government for failing to abolish municipal surcharges, arguing that partial measures hindered the island’s competitiveness and tourism growth compared to other Italian regions. The airline noted that its proposed $400 million investment, intended to create 900 jobs, was contingent on restored competitiveness. Due to the timing of government responses, Ryanair projected decreased capacity at Alghero and Olbia airports for the upcoming winter season. In response to the pressure, the regional government decided to cut the airport boarding tax for the winter months by covering the €6.50 fee itself, a move estimated to cost €18.2 million over three years. However, opposition leaders and airline operators have dismissed this as a “half-measure” and a “farce,” arguing the intervention arrived too late to influence winter flight scheduling. Additionally, Aeroitalia raised concerns that the targeted relief could distort competition for routes subject to public service obligations. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Sardinia regional government faces criticism over airport tax cuts Sardinia's regional government faces backlash after cutting airport boarding taxes too late to influence winter flight schedules, drawing criticism from airlines and political opposition. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sardinia-regional-government-faces-criticism-over-airport-tax-cuts ### 2026-08-13: Ryanair criticizes Sardinia over passenger surcharge policy Ryanair warns that Sardinia's failure to fully abolish municipal passenger surcharges will lead to reduced flight capacity in Alghero and Olbia, despite regional attempts to address the issue. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-criticizes-sardinia-over-passenger-surcharge-policy --- Cite as: Sardinia airport tax and aviation capacity dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sardinia-airport-tax-and-aviation-capacity-dispute