Ryanair says it is cutting 1.2 million seats from its Spain schedule this summer after accusing airport operator Aena of imposing “uncompetitive” charge increases.

The airline said it will reduce capacity at regional airports and move some aircraft to other countries, escalating a dispute that could affect holiday travel to and from one of Europe’s busiest destinations.

Ryanair said the move was a response to higher airport charges, which it argued made some Spanish routes less viable. The airline has repeatedly pushed for lower fees at smaller airports, saying they are needed to support traffic and tourism.

The Irish low-cost carrier said the cuts would hit several regional airports rather than the country’s main hubs. It did not say all the affected routes would be cancelled permanently, but the reduction signals a sharp pullback for the busy summer season.

The announcement adds pressure on Spain’s airport network, which has depended heavily on low-cost carriers to connect tourists with coastal resorts and smaller cities. Aviation analysts said that even temporary capacity cuts could lead to fewer flight options and higher fares on some routes if other airlines do not fill the gap.

Ryanair has often used capacity shifts as a negotiating tool in disputes over airport fees and taxes. In past disputes, it has moved aircraft to markets where it says operating costs are lower and returns are stronger.

The airline’s latest move comes as European carriers continue to warn that airport charges, air traffic constraints and rising operating costs are affecting network planning. For Spain, which relies on aviation for a large share of its tourism economy, any drop in low-cost capacity can be felt quickly by hotels, regional businesses and passengers.

Ryanair said the cuts were linked to what it described as “uncompetitive” airport charge hikes. The company has not detailed a full list of routes affected in the latest reduction, but the scale of the cut indicates a significant change in its summer programme.

The dispute is likely to continue if neither side backs down. For now, passengers planning summer trips to Spain may face fewer seat choices on some regional routes and could see prices rise as airlines adjust capacity.