Ryanair's Bet in Malaga This Summer: The Second Largest Increase in Spain in Seats and Four New Destinations

There is much anticipation given the context of uncertainty for airlines with the Iran war, the announced increase in airport fees planned by the Government starting in 2027, and because it is the presentation of the schedule for this summer by the airline that ranks number one in passenger numbers at Malaga airport and handles 30% of the travelers on the Costa del Sol. Ryanair has detailed its operations for this peak season, which will again be historic. The airline renews its commitment to this destination with more flights, the second largest increase in seats in Spain, more planes based at this facility, and four new routes.

At a press conference attended by the president of Tourism Costa del Sol, Francisco Salado; the Malaga Tourism Councilor, Jacobo Florido; and the General Director of Development and Promotion of the Junta, Gemma del Corral; and with the presence of the airport director, Pedro Bendala, Ryanair's spokesperson in Spain, Alejandra Ruiz, announced that this summer it will connect Malaga airport with 91 cities, the same number as last year but with different destinations. In fact, it is launching new routes this high season to the Polish city of Katowice; to the Slovak cities of Kosice, very close to the Hungarian border and the country's second most important city, and the capital Bratislava; and to the Czech city of Pardubice, founded in 1340 on the banks of the Elbe and known as the little gem of Eastern Bohemian Czechia.

The Irish low-cost company has put 6.6 million seats on the market to fly to and from Malaga this summer, which represents an 8% increase in air capacity, the second highest in Spain after the 10% increase planned in Alicante. "Malaga is our second busiest passenger airport in Spain after Barcelona," Ruiz emphasized to explain that the average increase in air capacity in Spain this summer will be 0.5%. "It is a destination with very strong demand, very well established throughout the year and where the technology center that has been established and to which the company has also contributed with its constant growth in connectivity is noticeable," stated Ryanair's spokesperson in Spain.

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These are the 91 cities Ryanair will fly to from Malaga this summer

The airline also plans to increase weekly frequencies by adding 50 to those operated last summer. The goal is to reach 589 flights per week at the Costa del Sol airport this high season. These aircraft movements will be key to achieving the company's goal of moving nine million travelers at this facility this year, which represents a 9% increase. "For Ryanair, Malaga is a very strategic destination. We remain committed to continue investing and growing as we have been doing since we started operating in 2003," he declared.

Ryanair ensures it has fuel reserves until next May

To carry out this operation, the airline will have two more planes based at the Costa del Sol facility this high season, totaling twenty Boeing-737s. "This commitment represents an investment of 2 billion dollars, generates more than 7,300 direct and indirect local jobs, and significantly enhances connectivity, thus contributing to its positioning as a leading tourist destination," Ruiz explained, to emphasize the criticisms of Aena for the increase in airport fees: "Despite Aena's excessive fees, which have made flights from other Spanish regions too expensive and contributed to a loss of 1.2 million seats in the upcoming summer season, Ryanair maintains its commitment to Malaga, adding more flights and new routes in response to strong demand among international and domestic visitors." Furthermore, she warned that "if Aena's proposal to increase fees by another 21% by 2031 is approved, it will further harm air connectivity, tourism, and employment throughout Spain, as airlines' capacity will inevitably migrate to lower-cost airports elsewhere in Europe."

Regarding the impact that the Iran war may have, Ryanair's spokesperson in Spain sent a message of reassurance. First, because they do not foresee an increase in ticket prices as she declared that they have secured the price of 80% of the fuel until March 2027 at $67 per barrel. "This situation shields us a lot from these strong fluctuations in oil prices," she specified. Second, because the airline has kerosene reserves until next May. "This morning we woke up with the good news of the truce in the war, which seems to allow the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. So if all goes well there will be no supply problems. Otherwise, we will be very attentive because from this date there could already be incidents in the supply at some European airports," Ruiz stated without being able to detail the facilities that could be affected.

The company's spokesperson in Spain has urged those planning to go on vacation this summer to plan their trips and book as soon as possible. "We continue to be the airline with the cheapest tickets. It is our DNA. Compared to last summer, the price has risen between 3 and 4%. Increases anticipated before the conflict in the Gulf," she detailed.

Regarding the schedule in Spain for this summer, she announced that they will operate 715 routes from the eleven bases of operations and the 22 airports where they are present. "33% of the visitors who come to Spain do so with Ryanair," she said just before advancing the challenge for 2034 to move 300 million passengers in its global network, beyond Spain.

For his part, Salado thanked the company's permanent commitment to improving air connectivity to the destination, to which Del Corral added that "the planned schedule is very good news for the province and the region." Likewise, Florido warned that the airport is Malaga's great partner and that the planned air connections will ensure "we have a greater international presence. We are an unbeatable destination."