Ryanair axes 24 routes and 800,000 seats in top European country | World | News
Ryanair has announced plans to reduce capacity in Germany this winter, following previous route cuts in Spain and Belgium. The move will affect 24 routes at nine German airports and reduce the airline’s carrying capacity for the season by 800,000 and comes amid a tax dispute with the German Government. Ryanair is calling on Germany’s transport minister to reduce the costs of accessing air travel in the country, claiming these costs are increasing the alleged “monopoly” that local German airline Lufthansa has in the region.
The budget airline has warned the German government that if the 24% aviation tax increase introduced in May 2024 is not reversed and air traffic control charges are not reduced, it will shift this cutting capacity to other EU countries. Speaking from Berlin, Dara Brady, Ryanair’s CMO, expressed disappointment: “It is very disappointing that the newly elected German government has already failed to deliver on its commitment to reduce the regressive aviation tax and sky-high access costs that are crippling Germany’s aviation sector.
“As a result, Ryanair has no choice but to reduce our Winter 25 capacity by more than 800,000 seats and cancel 24 routes at 9 high-cost German airports.
“This completely avoidable loss of connectivity will reduce our capacity below Winter 24 levels and will have a devastating impact on Germany’s connectivity, jobs and tourism.”
Ryanair issued a harsh warning to the government, stating that Germany’s air traffic will continue to decline unless it can compete with other European countries.
But the airline also suggested Ryanair could double its traffic and create more than 1,000 new jobs in Germany if ministers cut costs.
Germany is a popular tourist destination during the winter months, thanks to its famous Christmas markets and the picturesque snow-covered landscapes of the Black Forest.
This news from Ryanair comes on the heels of the announcement of a 16% reduction in transport capacity in Spain. The airline said in September that this was due to a dispute over airport taxes.
In late August, Ryanair cut Brussels Airport traffic by 6%, citing “high” airport costs.
CEO Michael O’Leary also stated that the airline will not undertake any expansion projects in Belgium this winter due to additional tariffs.
