Ryanair’s Withdrawal from Tenerife North Airport Sparks Union Alarm

The recent decision by Ryanair to discontinue six routes at Tenerife North Airport has ignited considerable concern among union representatives and employees alike. This unexpected announcement has raised questions about the airline’s future operations and the potential impact on local employment.

Union Leaders Voice Their Concerns

The abrupt nature of Ryanair’s announcement has left unions feeling blindsided, particularly as there has been no prior indication from the airline regarding workforce reductions. The USO union, which represents ground service personnel responsible for assisting passengers and managing aircraft, has highlighted that these workers are likely to bear the brunt of the operational changes. Given that Tenerife North is primarily a destination rather than a base for Ryanair, the implications for staffing levels could be significant. The UGT union has estimated that approximately twenty employees may face job losses as a direct result of this decision, raising alarms about the potential for increased unemployment in the region.

Communication Breakdown Raises Questions

Union representatives have expressed their frustration over the lack of direct communication from Ryanair regarding the route cessation. Instead of receiving official notifications, they learned about the changes through media reports, which has led to a sense of uncertainty among employees. Currently, there has been no formal announcement detailing the specifics of any staffing cuts or operational changes. Should Ryanair decide to proceed with layoffs, the USO union has emphasized that the airline must adhere to legal protocols for terminating contracts or implementing temporary redundancies. Both the USO and UGT unions are now eagerly awaiting formal communication from Ryanair to clarify the situation and outline the next steps.

Details of the Route Cessation and Its Implications

On Wednesday, Ryanair officially announced that it would be discontinuing its six routes to and from Tenerife North Airport, effective from the upcoming winter season. This decision translates to a staggering loss of approximately 400,000 available seats on flights to popular destinations such as Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Seville, and Valencia. The cessation of these routes represents a notable 10% reduction in Ryanair’s overall operations within the Canary Islands, a region that has become increasingly reliant on air travel for both tourism and local commerce.

Industry analysts have speculated that this strategic withdrawal may be a calculated response to Aena’s planned fare increases, which are set to take effect in March 2026. Aena, the operator of Spain’s airports, has announced a fee hike of 6.5%, resulting in an additional charge of €0.68 per passenger. This increase could significantly impact the cost structure for airlines operating in the region, prompting Ryanair to reassess its route offerings and operational viability in the face of rising expenses.

Potential Impact on Local Economy and Employment

The decision to cut these routes is not just a matter of airline logistics; it has broader implications for the local economy and employment landscape in Tenerife. The loss of flights could deter tourists from visiting the island, which relies heavily on tourism as a key economic driver. With fewer available seats, local businesses that depend on tourist traffic may experience a downturn, leading to further job losses and economic strain.

Moreover, the potential layoffs of ground service personnel could exacerbate the already challenging employment situation in the region. As unions continue to advocate for their members, the need for transparent communication from Ryanair becomes increasingly critical. The uncertainty surrounding job security and operational changes is causing anxiety among employees, who are now left in limbo as they await further information from the airline.

Key points

• Ryanair is withdrawing six routes from Tenerife North Airport.
• Unions were surprised by the announcement and have not received official communication from the airline.
• Ground service workers are expected to be the most affected by the route cessation.
• Approximately twenty employees may lose their jobs due to this decision.
• The airline’s decision results in a loss of around 400,000 seats.
• This move is perceived as a reaction to planned fare increases by Aena.
• The fare increase by Aena is set to take effect in March 2026.