Ryanair cuts flights to popular holiday hotspot dubbed the ‘Mediterranean Maldives’

A move that’s sure to disappoint many travellers

In recent months, the airline has put a stop to various destinations such as the Azores, Palanda, and Jaunas in Lithuania.

And now the budget airline has cut back on flights to another popular holiday hotspot, Girona-Costa Brava Airport in north-east Catalonia, Spain.

Ryanair blames the airport's 'failed fee system' as the reason for the decision.

It is understood that 11 per cent fewer seats will be available this summer, a reduction likely to inconvenience travellers. The airport lies just a ten-minute drive from the Camiral Hotel, which is set to host the Ryder Cup in 2031.

The airport also serves as a key gateway for visitors heading to Barcelona and the wider Costa Brava region. Last year, more than 2.1 million passengers passed through its terminals.

Local media have reported that the airport fees are the reason for this change in their locations.

Alejandra Ruiz, spokesperson for Ryanair in Spain, said: "Ryanair had ambitious growth plans for Catalonia's regional airports, where it could have allocated a fifth aircraft to Girona, a new base in Reus, and unprecedented growth at both airports under competitive and beneficial conditions for all airlines."

He added: "We are still waiting for a response from the Spanish government, which has no plans to fix these regional airports."