Ryanair's exit triggers notable drop in passenger traffic and tourism stays in the Azores

The low-cost airline Ryanair ceased flights to the Azores at the end of March, after operating there since 2015. The regional statistics service indicates a measurable drop in passenger arrivals and a corresponding fall in tourism overnight stays from April onward. With Ryanair gone, TAP and Azores Airlines are the sole carriers linking the islands to mainland Portugal.

Industry groups have warned that the loss could affect the tourism sector, which accounts for about one-fifth of the region’s GDP, and have called for a dedicated route-development fund. The regional tourism secretary said discussions are ongoing with airlines and the government to attract new carriers, but any new service is not expected before the summer of 2027.