Fewer flights to Palma this winter, with deep cuts from some UK airports

What happened

The association that coordinates flight slots at Spanish airports (AECFA) released the winter 2026-27 schedules in late September. For Palma airport, over a season that runs from late October to the end of March, they showed about 9% fewer flights than the previous winter, 12 fewer airlines and 14 fewer routes. Forecast passenger numbers fell much less, by just over 1%, because some airlines are adding flights where others are cutting.

On 9 October 2026 one of the largest UK low-cost airlines said it would remove another 700,000 seats from its winter programme, on top of an equal cut earlier in the summer, blaming higher jet fuel prices. It is closing its Leeds Bradford base after 5 January 2027, and Palma is among the routes lost from there.

Where the cuts fall

• UK regional airports are hit hardest. Scheduled flights to Palma from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, London Southend and Newcastle are down by more than half on last winter.
• Flights from Frankfurt are up about 8%, and domestic links with Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia are growing.
• Schedules can still change during the season, so check the routes you rely on before you book.

What it means for buyers

If you plan to use a Mallorca home in winter, or to view properties between November and March, direct flights from your nearest airport matter. Owners who live near a UK regional airport may need to travel through London or connect via mainland Spain this winter. Fewer direct routes also matter for anyone hoping to let a home out of season. Our guide to moving to Mallorca covers life on the island through the year, and holiday rental licences explains the letting rules.

Areas in this article

Palma