Ryanair Halves Olbia Flights as Cagliari Gains
Ryanair is cutting its winter services at two northern Sardinian airports while expanding its programme at Cagliari. Announced on 21 October, the changes mean fewer choices at Olbia and Alghero just as the winter season begins. The airline blames a dispute over airport departure taxes, although Sardinia's government disputes its account. The reductions concern Ryanair flights, not every service operating to the island.
Which Sardinia Flights Are Changing This Winter?
- Season: Ryanair's winter 2026–27 timetable begins on 25 October 2026.
- Olbia: Ryanair is cutting its winter capacity by 50%; local news reports say its Bologna route is being dropped.
- Alghero: 15% fewer Ryanair seats, but all existing routes remain.
- Cagliari–Forlì: Two flights weekly, on Mondays and Fridays.
- Cagliari–Milan Malpensa and Venice: Increased Ryanair frequencies, with no updated totals in the announcement.
Ryanair blames the cuts on Sardinia's €6.50 departure tax. The regional government has allocated funds to waive it from November to March, but the airline says the decision came too late to alter its winter schedule. Regional officials dispute the idea of an island-wide retreat, pointing to Cagliari's growth. Aeroitalia's Olbia–Rome Fiumicino and Olbia–Milan Linate routes operate separately and are not affected by Ryanair's decision.
Cagliari's new Forlì service gives passengers another connection with Emilia-Romagna, near Ravenna and the Adriatic coast. On the island, Cagliari is convenient for the Castello district and Poetto beach, but much farther from northern resorts. Anyone visiting Alghero's old town or the Costa Smeralda should compare flights into Olbia or Alghero before choosing a cheaper arrival at Cagliari; onward transport can change the cost.
A 50% reduction at Olbia does not mean half the airport's flights have disappeared, nor that existing bookings are automatically cancelled. Check My Bookings and emails if you hold a Ryanair ticket for winter. Where Ryanair cancels a flight, it offers a refund, re-routing or a free change on the same route. Compare the cost of the entire journey before switching airports.
