Ryanair Slashes Flights to Germany amid Airport Tax Disputes
BERLIN – Ryanair is significantly reducing its flight capacity to and from germany, cutting 24 routes and impacting airports in Berlin, Hamburg, Memmingen, Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig.The cuts,announced this week,represent a 16% reduction in the airline’s overall capacity within Spain and a 6% reduction at Brussels Airport,stemming from disputes over rising airport taxes and fees.
The irish low-cost carrier previously eliminated around one million seats for the summer season due to pricing from aena, the Spanish state-owned operator of 46 airports. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has publicly criticized the increasing costs, stating that a reduction in air tax could double annual passenger numbers in Germany to 34 million.
Beyond Spain and Germany, Ryanair also protested an increase in the Belgian plane boarding tax, warning that Belgium will not see any growth projects this winter as a result of the added rates. Last year, Ryanair ceased flights from Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig, signaling a growing trend of route adjustments based on cost considerations. The airline also rewards its employees for tracking down passenger suitcases, potentially leading to added fees and tensions onboard.
