The number of passengers arriving at Azores airports recorded a 4.4% year-on-year decline in March, with approximately 143,000 arrivals, according to the Regional Statistics Service (SREA). This marks the third consecutive month of decline. In the first quarter of the year, the region saw 360,539 arrivals, a 5.1% decrease compared to the same period last year. International arrivals saw the sharpest drop at 16%. Meanwhile, Ryanair's departure from the Azores is threatening the tourism sector and forcing hotels to lower prices.