The Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has officially suspended flights to the Azores—one of Europe’s most popular nature destinations. The reason is a sharp increase in airport fees and new taxes. Find out how this will affect tourists and what alternatives remain

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The Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has officially suspended flights to the Azores effective March 29, 2026. This is one of Europe’s most famous natural destinations, often referred to as the “European Hawaii.” The airline’s decision is linked to a sharp increase in airport fees and new tax policies in the region.

In our previous article, we told you whether it is safe to travel to Cyprus, Egypt, and the Middle East.

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Why did Ryanair stop flying to the Azores?

The main reason is financial conditions that the airline considers unprofitable.

Ryanair cited a sharp rise in flight operating costs. Specifically, air traffic control fees have risen by 120%, and a new tourist tax has been introduced at local airports.

As a result, the company has decided to completely reassess its presence in the region and redirect its planes to airports with more favorable rates in other European countries.

In a previous article, we reported that tourists are canceling their Mediterranean vacations due to the war in the Middle East.

How many flights have been canceled, and how will this affect travelers?

In Ryanair’s summer schedule, six routes to and from the Azores were canceled at once. This decision will affect approximately 400,000 passengers per year who chose this destination for their vacations.

For tourists, this means several important changes. First, the number of available budget flights will decrease, and consequently, the cost of travel will rise. The Azores were never the cheapest destination, and now it will become even more difficult to get there without layovers or at an affordable price.

Second, the overall accessibility of the islands for mass tourism will decrease. It was low-cost carriers like Ryanair that made this region more accessible to travelers from various European countries.

We previously reported that European airlines are adjusting their routes, offering more direct flights to Asia and Africa.

Are there still Ryanair flights to Portugal, and what are the alternatives?

Despite withdrawing from the Azores, Ryanair is not leaving the Portuguese market entirely. The airline continues to operate flights to the country’s key cities—specifically, Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal on the island of Madeira.

For tourists, this means that getting to Portugal is still affordable. However, if your destination is the Azores, you’ll have to look for alternative options.

The most realistic options:

- Flights with a layover in Lisbon or Porto

- Flights by other airlines serving domestic routes to the Azores

- Combined routes using different carriers

It’s also worth noting that Ryanair is actively reallocating its routes. Instead of the Azores, the company is expanding its flight schedules to countries with more favorable conditions—specifically, increasing the number of flights to Croatia, Poland, and Morocco.