If you regularly fly in or out of Girona Airport, this summer may not be as straightforward as usual.
Ryanair has confirmed it will reduce flights at Girona-Costa Brava Airport by 11% during the 2026 summer season, marking the first time the airline has scaled back there since before the pandemic.
For expats, second‑home owners and international families living in northern Catalonia, that reduction could mean fewer options, higher fares and the need to plan further in advance.
Here’s what’s happening — and what it means for you.
Why is Ryanair cutting flights?
The Irish low‑cost airline says the cuts are linked to rising airport charges in Spain.
Ryanair has been in an ongoing dispute with Spain’s airport operator, Aena, arguing that increased fees at regional airports are making some routes less financially viable. The airline has warned that if operating costs continue to rise, it will shift aircraft to other European destinations where fees are lower.
In short: when costs go up, capacity often comes down.
Girona appears to be one of the airports affected by that strategy this summer.
What will change at Girona Airport?
During the summer season (March to October):
- Flight capacity will drop by 11%
- Some routes may see reduced frequency
- Peak season prices could rise due to lower seat availability
Ryanair has not yet confirmed exactly which routes will be cut. However, the airport will still maintain a broad network of international connections.
Girona is widely used as:
- A convenient alternative to Barcelona-El Prat
- The main gateway to the Costa Brava
- A practical airport for expats living in Girona province
For many foreign residents, it’s also the airport friends and family use when visiting from abroad.
Is Barcelona affected?
Not in the same way.
Ryanair has indicated there will be slight growth at Barcelona-El Prat, along with increases at Reus Airport. This suggests the airline is prioritising locations where growth conditions are more favourable.
For those living in Barcelona city, the impact is likely to be minimal.
For residents along the Costa Brava — including Begur, Platja d’Aro, Palamós, Figueres and surrounding areas — summer travel may require a bit more forward planning.
What expats and foreign residents should do now
If you rely on Girona Airport, consider:
- Booking summer flights earlier than usual
- Comparing prices between Girona and Barcelona
- Checking route frequency before making flexible plans
- Monitoring announcements for further schedule updates
An 11% reduction doesn’t mean flights are disappearing — but it does mean fewer seats available during peak months.
Could there be more changes?
Ryanair has already reduced capacity at several Spanish regional airports as negotiations over airport fees continue.
Airline executives have made it clear that aircraft will be deployed to other countries if operating costs in Spain remain high. Whether further changes happen may depend on how discussions between airlines and the Spanish government evolve in the coming months.
The bottom line
Girona Airport isn’t closing — and flights aren’t stopping altogether.
But with Ryanair cutting capacity ahead of the busy summer season, expats and international residents in northern Catalonia may notice fewer options and potentially higher fares.
If you’re planning summer travel, the safest strategy is simple: book early and compare airports.
