Girona News

Girona Airport passenger numbers down 38% in 2011

Girona Airport passenger numbers were down by over 38% in 2011 compared to 2010.

This can be largely attributed to Ryanair's decision to move a number of flights to Barcelona El Prat Airport, which is closer to Barcelona.

However, with January's news that 19 new routes will become operational at Girona in 2010, it is anticipated that passenger numbers will be increasing in 2012, which is great news for the local economy in Girona.

Ryanair and Spanish Authorities in further talks regarding operations at Girona Airport

In February 2011 Ryanair announced that they were reducing the number of flights at Girona Airport.

The decison was based on disagreements with the local Catalan authorities regarding subsidies given to Ryanair as a "sweetener" to reduce operating costs at Girona. The news was not received well in the Costa Brava where unemployment is already high in a region dependent upon tourism.

In December 2011 following intensive negotiations with the Catalan authorities, Ryanair announced that they were committed to continue using Girona for the next 5 years, although a number of the flights that were operating at Girona have been transferred to Barcelona el Prat Airport. The Ryanair winter schedule to Girona Airport has been the hardest hit with many routes to Girona no longer available.

Talks between Ryanair and the local Catalan authorities are still ongoing, and further news will be published here when it emerges.