Ryanair: Spain has the best infrastructure, but costs are a dealbreaker

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · July 16, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~1 min

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson told Hosteltur that Spain has the best airport infrastructure in Europe, but the high cost of accessing airports is a dealbreaker for new investments. According to Wilson, the country "is the envy of many" for its facilities, but competitiveness suffers because of the fees charged by Aena.

And this isn't just talk. The Irish airline is considering a €500 million engine maintenance workshop, and Seville is competing head-to-head with a location in Poland. If Spain doesn't fix its competitiveness issues, that money goes East.

My take: Wilson is right about the infrastructure, but the problem isn't just fees. Labor rigidity, bureaucracy, and the lack of attractive long-term deals also weigh in. If we want to attract industrial investments of this scale, it's time to sit down and negotiate. Otherwise, Poland wins.

Quick questions

What did Ryanair say about Spain?

That it has Europe's best infrastructure, but high airport access costs hurt competitiveness and may block new investments.

How much will Ryanair invest in the engine workshop?

€500 million. The project is in doubt because Seville competes with Poland, where costs are lower.

What problem does Ryanair see in Spanish airports?

High access fees charged by Aena, which make operations more expensive than in other European countries.

Is Poland a real alternative for Ryanair?

Yes, the CEO confirmed the engine workshop could go to Poland if Spain doesn't improve competitiveness.

What does the Notitur editor think?

Wilson is right about fees, but the issue also includes labor rigidity and bureaucracy. To attract investment, Spain needs to negotiate now.

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