During 2025, the controversy between AENA and Ryanair has once again made headlines. The Irish airline criticizes airport tax increases in Spain and threatens to reduce routes. But,does this affect your right to recover fees for an unused flight?Not at all.
What is happening
AENA, the Spanish airport operator, proposed an average increase of a few cents per passenger, arguing operational costs and sustainability improvements. Ryanair responded by announcing frequency cuts at several airports.
AENA's position
AENA justifies the increase in airport taxes for several reasons:
- Infrastructure investment:Modernization of terminals, runways and security systems
- Sustainability:Adaptation to European environmental regulations
- Inflation:Price updates after years without significant increases
- Improvement of services:Free Wifi, rest areas, digitalization, etc.
According to AENA, the average increase is just a few cents per passenger, which should not have a significant impact on the final price of tickets.
Ryanair's response
Ryanair, for its part, argues that:
- Spain already has airport charges higher than the European average
- Any increase reduces the country's competitiveness as a tourist destination.
- The threat to cut routes is a common pressure strategy.
- Seeks to maintain its profit margins by keeping costs as low as possible
This type of confrontation is not new. Ryanair has similar disputes with airport managers in several European countries.
📌 Historical context
Ryanair has threatened to cut routes in Spain on multiple occasions since 2010. In some cases it partially complied, in others it did not. It is part of its negotiation strategy.
What does it mean to you
Behind the media noise there is a reality:these rates apply only when the passenger flies. Neither AENA nor any airline can keep that money if you did not fly.
Your right does not change
The right to a refund of unused fees exists regardless of:
- Negotiations between AENA and the airlines
- Increases or reductions in airport charges
- Trade disputes or threats of route cutbacks
- The pricing policies of each airline
If you did not fly, the fees were not accrued. Period. It doesn't matter who set them or how much they are.
What does NOT affect the conflict
- The recoverable amount:Calculated on a pay-as-you-go basis, not based on future rates.
- The claims process:Remains the same
- Deadlines:No change due to commercial disputes
- Your legal rights:They are protected by European regulations
How to complain in this context
The procedure is exactly the same as before the conflict:
1. Verify tu billete
Check that the flight is listed as "no show" or "unused" in the airline's system.
2. Sube tu billete a TaxBackAir.com
The system automatically verifies which fees were charged and which were not applied.
3. We review the case
We verify that the claim is viable and calculate the recoverable amount.
4. We submit the application
It is formally filed with the corresponding airline.
5. We inform you of the result
If Ryanair (or any airline) applies a high fee that reduces the refund, we will warn you before proceeding. You decide whether to continue or not.
The underlying debate: are fees high in Spain?
To contextualize the conflict, it is useful to compare Spanish airport charges with other European countries:
Approximate comparison (short domestic flight)
- Spain (AENA):8-12 € per passenger
- Germany:7-13 €
- France:10-15 €
- United Kingdom:13-26 (APD included)
- Italy:6-10 €
- Portugal:7-11 €
Spain is in the European average. It is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest country. Ryanair's perception is due to the fact that it operates mainly at secondary airports in other countries, where fees are usually lower.
What happens if Ryanair cuts flights
If Ryanair follows through on its threat and reduces frequencies or routes, this could affect:
- Flight availability on certain routes
- Competition (less supply can raise prices)
- Regional airport connectivity
But it does NOT affect your right to claim fees for flights already purchased and not used.
If your future flight is cancelled due to cutbacks
In that case, the airline must offer you:
- Full refund (including fees)
- Alternative transportation
- Financial compensation according to Regulation 261/2004
You would not have to claim separate fees, because the reimbursement would be full.
💡 Remember:Cancellation by the airline entitles you to an automatic full refund. No-show by you entitles you only to a refund of fees.
Looking to the future
This type of conflict between low-cost airlines and airport managers is recurrent throughout Europe. They are usually resolved through negotiations and partial agreements.
Most likely
- AENA and Ryanair to reach an agreement or compromise
- There will be minor adjustments in rates or volume discounts
- The actual impact on the passenger will be minimal
- Ryanair to maintain most of its profitable routes
What will NOT change
Your right to recover unused ticket fees will remain intact, regardless of the outcome of these negotiations.