Irish low-cost airline Ryanair has announced significant reductions to its services in Germany for the summer of 2025, including the complete cessation of flights to Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig. In Hamburg, flight totals will be reduced by 60% compared to the previous year, while Berlin will see a 20% decrease in flights.
The airline estimates that these cuts will result in 1.8 million fewer seats available for passengers, 22 fewer flight routes, and an overall capacity dip of 12% in Germany. Ryanair's CEO, Eddie Wilson, attributed these decisions to high operational costs and the perceived monopoly held by Lufthansa, Germany's flag carrier.
Wilson noted that Germany has only recovered 82% of its pre-COVID air traffic, making it the worst performer in the European air travel market. He criticized the high state taxes and fees imposed on airlines, stating that they lead to the highest flight prices in Europe for German citizens and visitors.
Despite these reductions, Ryanair does not anticipate job losses within the company but acknowledges potential repercussions for related industries, such as taxi services and hospitality. The airline had previously expressed frustration over the lack of governmental support for growth in the German aviation sector.
The German government increased the air travel tax in May, which ranges from €15 to €70 per ticket, depending on flight distance. Ryanair's move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the airline industry in Germany, as industry groups warn of a declining competitive landscape.
Source: dw.com, Date: 2024-10-10