- Expensive expenses prompt Ryanair to contemplate scrapping additional journeys
Discount airline Ryanair, the Irish budget carrier, has pleaded with the German administration to scrap the planned increase in the air travel tax, set for May. Failure to do so could see the airline trim its capacity from German airports by 10% or 1.5 million seats during the upcoming summer period, with operations being shifted to countries with lower expenses.
Leading aviation company in Europe also requested a reduction in air traffic control charges and a halt to the proposed hike in passenger security fees at airports. The airline claims that the hefty taxes and fees imposed by the state are the primary reason behind Germany's slowest recovery from the Covid-induced downturn in air traffic compared to other European nations. As per CEO Eddie Wilson, "Germany's air traffic market is in a dire state and requires immediate repair." He attributed Germany's high airfares to the exorbitant state taxes and fees, as well as the "exclusive price monopoly of Lufthansa."
European flights have become more costly
The German Federal Statistical Office has recently confirmed the elevated ticket prices in the country. While prices for long-haul flights dipped slightly in the first half of 2024, European flights were still 2.7% more expensive compared to the already high-priced previous year. The German aviation industry association, BDL, also voiced concerns over the high operational costs and suggested a suspension of air travel taxes.
Destatis Ticket Prices 1H 2024 DLR Low Cost Monitor – Official Statement
The airline's CEO, Eddie Wilson, emphasized that the high airfare in Germany is primarily due to the burdensome state taxes and fees. The price of European flights has shown a 2.7% increase compared to the already high prices of the previous year, as confirmed by the German Federal Statistical Office.
