Ryanair Pulls Out of German Airports Because of Skyrocketing Taxes

Ryanair, Europe’s leading budget airline, has announced substantial reductions to its services across Germany for the summer of 2025. The low-cost carrier, known for its aggressive cost-saving strategies, will completely stop flying to three German airports—Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig. Additionally, Ryanair will cut its flights in Hamburg by 60%, marking a severe reduction in its presence across the country. The overall impact will be the loss of 1.8 million seats for German passengers next summer, slashing 22 flight routes, and reducing the airline’s total capacity in Germany by 12%.

High Costs Behind Ryanair’s Decision

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson pointed to rising taxes and fees in Germany as the key reasons behind these cutbacks. He criticized the country’s air travel taxes and airport fees, which are now the highest in Europe. These increased costs, coupled with what Ryanair describes as a “high-price monopoly” by Germany’s flag carrier Lufthansa, have made the German air travel market uncompetitive.

Wilson noted that while other European countries such as Italy, Sweden, Poland, and Hungary have reduced air travel costs to stimulate post-COVID recovery, Germany has taken the opposite approach, raising its air travel tax as recently as May 2024. The airline contends that these escalating expenses, particularly a 100% increase in air traffic control fees since 2019, have hindered the country’s ability to recover from the pandemic.

Germany’s Struggles in the European Air Travel Market

Germany has only managed to recover 82% of its pre-COVID air traffic levels, making it the worst performer in the European aviation market. In stark contrast, countries that have adopted cost-reduction measures have seen a much faster recovery. The failure of German airports to keep costs competitive has also driven up flight prices, with German passengers now paying the highest airfares in Europe.

Despite these issues, Ryanair had previously proposed a seven-year growth plan aimed at doubling its traffic in Germany from 16 million to 34 million passengers. However, the airline claims that its appeals to the German government have been ignored. Without action, Wilson warned that the airline would be forced to move its resources and routes to more competitive EU countries.

Wider Impact on German Travel and Economy

The effects of Ryanair’s decision will ripple through the German economy. Airports in Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig will be hit hardest, losing their entire Ryanair operations. The reduction in flights will likely affect tourism and local employment, especially in industries such as hospitality and transportation, which are closely tied to airport activity.

Ryanair has been a major player in offering affordable flights across Europe, and its retreat from Germany could signal the end of budget air travel in some regions. This will particularly impact German passengers who rely on low-cost airlines for both domestic and international travel.

Industry Reactions to Ryanair’s Withdrawal

The response from Germany’s aviation sector has been mixed but largely critical of the country’s current trajectory. The German Federation of Airlines (BDF) remarked that Ryanair’s decision came as no surprise, given the rising operational costs at German airports. BDF Director Michael Engel pointed out that this move could be the first in a series of similar announcements from other airlines.

The Berlin Airports Association (ADV) echoed these concerns, arguing that Ryanair’s exit underscores how Germany is losing its competitive edge as a travel hub. Hamburg Airport, in particular, is set to face even more challenges in the coming years, as it plans to raise its fees again in 2025.

Calls for Reform in Germany’s Aviation Policies

Ryanair has once again called on the German government, particularly Transport Minister Volker Wissing, to take immediate steps to lower air travel taxes and fees. The airline has emphasized that the government’s refusal to address these concerns is short-sighted and will lead to further declines in air traffic, higher costs for consumers, and fewer travel options. Without reform, Ryanair warns that more airlines may reduce their services, exacerbating the crisis in Germany’s already struggling aviation sector.

In conclusion, Ryanair’s pullback highlights broader issues within the German aviation market. The combination of high taxes, rising fees, and lack of government action threatens not only the availability of budget flights but also the overall recovery of the country’s air travel industry. As the summer of 2025 approaches, German passengers may have to brace for fewer options and higher prices as the low-cost travel era in parts of Germany appears to be coming to an end.