José Manuel Bolieiro noted that Ryanair’s position is “recurrent,” citing similar instances in past negotiations.
Speaking to journalists in Ponta Delgada following the signing of a protocol with FLAD and the University of the Azores, Bolieiro acknowledged that “the service Ryanair provides to the Azores is important” and expressed a desire for the company to continue operations, as it presents mutual benefits for both the archipelago and the business.
Ryanair announced that it will cancel all flights to/from the Azores starting March 29, 2026, attributing the decision to high airport fees set by the French ANA monopoly and the Portuguese government’s inaction, which has increased air navigation rates by 120% after COVID and introduced a two-euro travel fee—while other EU states are abolishing travel fees to ensure scarce capacity growth.
The leader of the Azorean executive stated that regarding the attempt to shift responsibility, the Azorean Government maintains “complete calmness,” as “all efforts are being made through Visit Azores, the entity maintaining direct contact with Ryanair.”
“Regarding the allegations in the statement, I’ve had the opportunity to hear reactions from both ANA Vinci and the Republic’s Government, and I confirm the accuracy of the facts,” Bolieiro asserted.
Asked whether Ryanair’s potential exit from the Azorean market would be realized, Bolieiro mentioned that “alternatives always need to be worked on,” but added that pursuing these alternatives “while still in a negotiating phase and with existing assumptions would be inadvisable.”
Bolieiro emphasized that the economic dynamics, in the event of Ryanair’s market withdrawal, would yield alternatives, as demonstrated in 2023 when the company drastically reduced flights and left the Ponta Delgada base, noting that this market “is highly adaptable and the business very volatile.”
“I prefer Ryanair to continue its role here, but I also hope other airlines see the Azores as a business opportunity and improve our accessibility both in quantity and quality, price, and by reducing costs for passengers,” he stated.
The government expressed “surprise” at Ryanair’s reasoning for ending operations in the Azores, pointing out that the route’s fee is the lowest in Europe and that the airline received tens of millions of euros in incentives.
In a written response, an official source from the Ministry of Infrastructure said that, following Ryanair’s statement on the purported impact of airport fees on their Azores closure from March 2026, they “cannot help but express surprise at the airline’s statements.”
ANA—Aeroportos de Portugal described Ryanair’s announcement as a “surprise,” revealing that “recent discussions” aimed at expanding, not reducing, the offer.
The group, owned by France’s Vinci, stated that “the Azores’ current airport fees, the lowest in the network,” remained unchanged for 2025, with ANA not proposing any increase for 2026.
