Ponta Delgada, Azores Islands, Portugal, Jan. 28, 2026 (Lusa) - The regional government of the Portuguese Azores archipelago reiterated on Wednesday that talks with low-cost airline Ryanair "are still open", contradicting statements made today by CEO Michael O'Leary.
A source from the regional secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure reiterated to Lusa that "talks are still open" and that, "for now, there will be no statements until they are concluded".
However, Michael O'Leary told Lusa that "no talks are underway with the regional government of the Azores", pointing to structural problems.
"Firstly, airport taxes on the island are too expensive for what it is," said Michael O'Leary.
In his statements today, Ryanair's CEO only agrees to return if there are profound changes: "Could we reopen at any time in the future? Yes, but only when environmental taxes are abolished [and] when airport charges in the Azores are drastically reduced."
Asked about the criticism from the Ministry of Infrastructure at the time of Ryanair's announcement of its departure from the Azores, referring to "ultimatums" and “threats”, the CEO replied that "this is not an ultimatum, it is not a threat".
"Ryanair is an airline. We have mobile assets called aircraft, and the aircraft we have placed in the Azores over the last two years will be transferred at the end of March," he said, stressing that "there are no ongoing talks" and that the base "will be closed at the end of March".
Meanwhile, at a press conference today, he warned of the impact of European environmental taxation on air links to the Azores, considering that the routes have become economically unviable.
"A family of four living in Lisbon who want to spend a weekend in the Azores pays €96 in ETS [EU Emissions Trading System] taxes," he said, adding that flights to destinations outside the European Union, such as Morocco, are exempt.
"It could simply kill the Azores," he said, advocating the abolition of environmental taxation for peripheral regions.
"I think the Azores will only see a return if environmental taxation is abolished, particularly for peripheral islands such as the Azores and Madeira," he concluded.
Ryanair announced on Tuesday a provisional net profit of €30 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2025, compared to €149 million in the same period last year.
According to the report released, the company temporarily reduced its profit forecast due to a provision of €85 million to cover a fine imposed in Italy.
Excluding this provision, Ryanair posted a net profit of €115 million in the third quarter of the fiscal year, down 22% from the previous year.
JME/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
