Ryanair scraps ANOTHER 24 routes and 800,000 seats

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, is significantly scaling back its operations in Germany, citing the government's aviation tax as ...

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, is significantly scaling back its operations in Germany, citing the government's aviation tax as the primary reason. The budget carrier plans to eliminate 24 routes to and from Germany, resulting in a reduction of nearly 800,000 seats. This decision impacts nine German airports, including prominent hubs like Berlin and Hamburg, as well as Memmingen. The airports in Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig will cease to operate altogether.

The airline argues that German government policies are undermining the country's competitiveness within the European aviation market. Ryanair has been vocal about its concerns regarding the high aviation tax and rising operational costs in Germany, encompassing fees for air traffic control, airport management, and security.

According to Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, the German air travel market is "broken" and in dire need of reform. The airline points to Germany's slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence, stating that the country has only recovered 88% of its pre-pandemic traffic. This is the lowest recovery rate among major European markets, Ryanair claims.

Ryanair asserts that if Germany were to eliminate or reduce the aviation tax, passenger traffic could potentially double, reaching approximately 34 million travelers annually. However, with no indication of government intervention, the airline feels compelled to reduce capacity and redirect aircraft to countries with more favorable conditions for airlines.

The situation in Germany mirrors a similar dispute unfolding in Spain. Just recently, Ryanair announced a 10% reduction in its Summer 2026 schedule, including the complete cessation of flights to and from Asturias Airport in northern Spain. This decision stems from what Ryanair perceives as "uncompetitive" airport fees imposed by Aena, the state-owned company managing the majority of Spanish airports.

Ryanair's broader reduction of Spanish routes will see a 41% decrease in flights to regional areas this winter, affecting destinations like Zaragoza, Santander, Asturias, and Vitoria.

• This includes substantial cuts to flights to the Canary Islands, with a 10% reduction equating to 400,000 fewer seats.
  • Flights to Tenerife North will be completely discontinued at the start of the winter season.
  • Flights to Vigo, located on Spain's northwest coast, will cease operations from January 1, 2026.

Ryanair attributes these cuts directly to the Spanish government's failure to address Aena's fee increases. The Spanish government holds a 51% majority stake in Aena.

The implications of Ryanair's decisions in both Germany and Spain are significant. For German airports, the route cancellations and capacity reductions could lead to:

• Reduced passenger numbers: This could negatively impact airport revenues and local economies that rely on tourism.
• Job losses: Airlines and airport service providers may be forced to reduce staff due to decreased activity.
• Increased airfares: With fewer flights available, remaining airlines may raise prices, making air travel more expensive for consumers.
• Damaged tourism: Fewer direct routes could deter tourists from visiting Germany, impacting the hospitality sector.

Similarly, the cuts in Spain could result in:

• Reduced connectivity: Regional areas may become more isolated due to fewer flight options.
• Economic hardship: Reduced tourism could negatively impact local businesses and economies.
• Pressure on Aena: The airport operator may face pressure to reconsider its fee increases to attract airlines back.
• Potential for other airlines to fill the void: Other airlines may see an opportunity to enter the market and offer alternative routes.

Ryanair's actions highlight the ongoing tensions between budget airlines and governments over aviation taxes and airport fees. The airline argues that these costs make it difficult to compete and ultimately harm consumers. Governments, on the other hand, may view these taxes and fees as necessary for funding infrastructure and environmental initiatives. The outcome of these disputes will likely have a significant impact on the future of air travel in Europe.