Ryanair consolidates its offerings in Germany
Due to the hefty aviation taxes, Germany has become a costly destination for airlines. Ryanair, the controversial budget airline, is voicing its discontent towards the federal government and taking action. The company has decided to fully abandon several airports.
By summer 2025, Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig will no longer be serviced by Ryanair, as per an announcement made in Hamburg. The airline's services in Hamburg will be cut by 60% in summer and by 20% in Berlin.
This results in a 12% decrease in Ryanair's total offer in Germany compared to this summer. A total of 22 routes will be cancelled. The airline's intention to reduce its presence at Berlin's capital airport BER was already known since August.
In a statement, Ryanair pointed out that the German government's failure to reduce aviation taxes, security fees, and air traffic control charges is hampering the industry's recovery and growth. Ryanair had warned back in August that it would reduce its operations in Germany if the aviation tax increase was not reversed by May.
According to a report by "Der Spiegel", the German Aviation Industry Association (BDL) complained that taxes and charges have almost doubled on average since 2020. Furthermore, airlines will be required to mix a small amount of sustainable fuel into the fossil fuel from 2025, which is significantly more expensive. This primarily impacts low-cost airlines that operate on a tight budget. According to the BDL, Ryanair, Easyjet, and WizzAir managed to reach only 71% of their 2019 traffic volume during the first six months of the year.
The Commission has expressed concern about the impact of high aviation taxes on the airline industry in Germany. Ryanair's discontent towards the German government stems from their failure to lower aviation taxes, security fees, and air traffic control charges.
