A major budget airliner has scrapped a number of routes across the UK and Europe amid rising costs.

The aviation industry has been hit hard in 2026, with the conflict in the Middle East, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, disrupting fuel supplies, prompting some airlines to raise fares and cut flights.

The EU’s new entry/exit system has also caused additional disruption by increasing processing times for travellers at airports.

Due to the ongoing issues, Ryanair has cut flights to 12 destinations, heavily affecting Stansted passengers.

Ryanair cuts flights to Stansted Airport due to rising costs

Ryanair has been forced to make several major changes in 2026.

In April, the budget airline revealed it would be closing its Berlin base as of October 24, reducing the number of flights it operates out of the German capital by 50% (for its upcoming winter schedule).

Ryanair also announced it will close its Thessaloniki base and reduce capacity at Athens Airport for the 2026 winter season.

This closure will result in:

  • 12 routes are being cut
  • The loss of 700,000 seats
  • A 45% reduction in passenger capacity
  • Suspension of operations in Chania and Heraklion

The airline said both these cuts were due to high airport costs.

All the cuts made by Ryanair recently due to rising costs have resulted in flights being cut from 19 airports across the UK and Europe, according to The Sun.

All airports affected

Stansted is one of two UK airports to be impacted by the cuts, alongside Manchester Airport

Other airports impacted:

Ireland

  • Dublin
  • Shannon

Germany

  • Berlin Brandenburg
  • Cologne Bonn
  • Hamburg

Italy

  • Milan Bergamo
  • Pisa

Portugal

  • Porto

Belgium

  • Brussels South Charleroi

France

  • Paris Beauvais

Poland

  • Krakow
  • Warsaw Modlin

Hungary

  • Budapest

Romania

  • Bucharest

Bulgaria

  • Sofia

Spain

  • Valencia
  • Malaga

Passengers with booked flights are advised to check their journey before they fly to ensure they have not been cancelled or been affected by changes.