Ryanair still top in Spain despite turbulent year

RYANAIR has retained its status as Spain’s most popular airline, despite a chaotic year. 

According to the SEPLA airline union, the low-cost carrier now flies one in six passengers – some 38.5 million – to Spain. 

Last year, Ryanair had to cancel thousands of flights amid a series of strikes and planning issues. 

The problems hit the airline’s growth rate, but in Spain they still grew by 11% – though that is a lower rate than in the previous two years – according to Sepla. 

RyanAir’s closest competitor, Vueling, transported 14.4 million customers – 24 million less than RyanAir – the union said. 

Iberia – including its subsidiary Express – easyJet, Iberia Express, Norwegian and Jet2 are the other low-cost airlines in the top ten. 

In the last five years, Ryanair has carried an additional 10 million passengers in Spanish. 

However, the Irish carrier lost its position as Europe’s most popular airline.