Ryanair Announces Winter 2026-2027 Schedule Adjustments
Ryanair, the Irish budget airline, has unveiled updates to its winter timetable for 2026-2027, reducing services to Belgium and limiting flights to two Sardinian airports. At the same time, the carrier is rolling out its largest-ever winter schedule for Sicily and expanding its network in Spain, including new routes to Alicante.
The airline is scaling back operations at Belgium's Brussels Charleroi and Zaventem airports, withdrawing six aircraft from these hubs. This reduction will eliminate 1.1 million passenger seats and lead to the closure of 20 routes. The primary driver behind this cutback is Belgium’s planned sharp increase in aviation taxes, which will soar by 250%, rising from €2 in January 2025 to €7 by January 2027.
Flight Reductions in Sardinia Offset by Growth in Sicily
Ryanair is also decreasing flights to Sardinia, cutting services to Alghero by 15% and Olbia by half. The Sardinian regional government’s decision to maintain a year-round municipal tax likely influenced the airline’s move.
Conversely, Sicily will see a record-breaking winter schedule in 2026, with Ryanair offering 88 routes connecting Catania, Palermo, and Trapani-Marsala airports. The new plan introduces 17 additional destinations and anticipates passenger numbers exceeding 12.5 million annually—a 9% increase over previous years.
In Spain, Ryanair is broadening its presence, particularly in the popular resort city of Alicante. The airline’s winter 2026 schedule for Alicante includes 79 routes, adding four new destinations:
- Catania, Italy
- Venice, Italy
- Friedrichshafen, Germany
- Saarbrücken, Germany
Additionally, Ryanair is boosting flight frequencies on 28 existing routes to cities such as Lisbon (Portugal), Rome (Italy), Kaunas (Lithuania), Pardubice (Czech Republic), and Poznań (Poland).
“We anticipate a significant rise in airfares in 2027,”
— Michael O’Leary, Ryanair CEO
These adjustments reflect Ryanair’s response to economic pressures, notably rising taxes, which could affect flight affordability. The cutbacks in Belgium and Sardinia may reduce competition on those routes, while the expansion in Sicily and Spain highlights growing traveler demand in these regions. With ticket prices expected to increase, passengers may need to plan their trips more carefully in the years ahead.
The recent adjustments to Ryanair's winter schedule come amid broader industry challenges, as airlines brace for potential fare increases. As highlighted in a recent report, European airfares may rise by up to 20% in 2027 due to escalating fuel costs, which could further impact travel plans for many passengers. Understanding these dynamics is essential for travelers considering their options for the upcoming winter season.