Volotea expands into Brussels as it steps in after Ryanair’s exit from Asturias

Low-cost carrier Volotea will enter Brussels Airport for the first time next summer, launching a new direct route between Brussels and Asturias in northern Spain, operated three times a week. The move marks a strategic shift for the Spanish airline, which until now has served the Belgian market exclusively via Charleroi Airport with seasonal routes to cities such as Nantes, Bordeaux and Nice.

Volotea’s decision comes as Ryanair withdraws completely from Asturias Airport (OVD) at the end of the winter season, including the cancellation of its Asturias–Charleroi service. The Irish airline is cutting around 1.2 million seats from Spanish regional airports next summer, citing planned fee increases by airport operator AENA. Volotea is moving quickly to fill the resulting capacity gap, significantly expanding its operations from Asturias.

In addition to the new Brussels route, Volotea will launch services from Asturias to Paris, Rome, Porto and Florence, increase frequencies on selected domestic routes, and upgauge aircraft from A319s to larger A320s.

For Brussels Airport, the arrival of Volotea adds a new low-cost operator and improves direct access to Asturias, a region known for its rugged coastline, green landscapes and strong culinary tradition, but still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism.

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