Low-cost Irish airline Ryanair has announced significant reductions to its service in Germany, including the discontinuation of flights to Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig starting next year. The airline will also slash its routes to Hamburg by 60% and reduce its offerings to the capital, Berlin, by 20%.
This decision comes in response to an ongoing dispute with the German government over a proposed increase in air taxes, which Ryanair claims will make flights within Germany more expensive compared to other European destinations.
Ryanair’s latest measures are projected to lead to a 12% decline in passenger numbers in Germany for the upcoming summer season, equivalent to a reduction of approximately 1.8 million seats.
The airline’s management has voiced strong opposition to the tax hike, arguing that the combined increase in air taxes, alongside rising costs for security and air traffic control, is unsustainable for both the airline and its customers.
Ryanair is urging the German government to abolish the new air taxes, lower air traffic control fees, and postpone the increase in security-related charges.
“Ryanair’s model is built on low fares, and any increase in taxes compromises our ability to offer competitive prices to our customers,” a spokesperson for the airline stated. The airline’s concerns echo those of other carriers operating in Germany.
National airline Lufthansa, which owns Belgian carrier Brussels Airlines, has also expressed alarm over rising operational costs, emphasizing the challenges posed by the current economic climate. Low-cost rival EasyJet has already taken steps to reduce its services in Germany due to similar cost pressures.
Currently, Ryanair operates flights from Brussels Airport to Berlin, although the future of these routes remains uncertain amid the ongoing tax dispute.
The airline’s move to cut services is indicative of a broader trend affecting the aviation sector in Germany, where rising operational costs are prompting many carriers to reevaluate their routes and services.
Industry analysts suggest that the tax increase, if implemented, could lead to reduced competition in the German aviation market, potentially forcing passengers to bear the brunt of higher airfares.
Ryanair’s decision to withdraw from certain German cities is likely to impact travelers who rely on affordable flights within the country, raising concerns about accessibility for budget-conscious passengers.
As Ryanair prepares for a significant reduction in its German operations, the airline’s management is calling for immediate action from the government to address the escalating costs facing the aviation sector.
“Without urgent intervention, we risk losing more routes and options for travelers, which could ultimately harm the German economy and its connectivity with the rest of Europe,” the spokesperson added.
In response to the airline’s announcements, a spokesperson for the German government stated that discussions regarding the tax increase are ongoing, and they are committed to ensuring a fair and sustainable aviation market.
However, with Ryanair’s drastic cuts looming, the impact on travelers and the overall aviation landscape in Germany is expected to be profound.
As the situation develops, both travelers and industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Ryanair’s decision will shape the future of air travel in Germany and whether any compromises can be reached between the airline and the government.
