Ryanair throttles back in Spanish market as costs rise ©
Ryanair today announced "Severe cuts" to its Summer 2013 schedule in Spain reducing operations by 12% the second successive downsizing of operations at Barcelona and Madrid bases after cuts in winter schedule with the loss of 4.5 million passengers and 648 weekly flights from 30th March 2013 unless "The airport operator imposes the same rates as before", the hike will cost €75-80 million more than paid in 2012 said Ryanair. Ryanair Deputy CEO Michael Cawley said "Ryanair opposes the Spanish government's decision to double the airport charges at airports in Barcelona El Prat and Madrid Barajas and the increase in the rest of Spanish airports. Unfortunately, this will lead back to a significant decline in traffic, tourism and jobs in both airports for the summer of 2013 as part of an overall reduction of 12% of Ryanair's operations in Spain". The airline plans to cut Barcelona El Prat base