The Irish airline Ryanair has urgently appealed to Federal Transport Minister Schnieder to take urgent action. The reason for this is the diversion of flight FR207 from Budapest to Hanover on June 26, after German air traffic control refused to allow landing in Berlin just five minutes after the start of the night flight ban there. Ryanair complains that this has subjected passengers to unnecessary and disruptive detours.
Despite Ryanair's efforts to minimize a delay caused by severe weather over Central Europe, the flight was denied permission to land at Berlin Airport. The affected passengers were subsequently forced to take a bus from Hanover to Berlin, which took over three hours. Ryanair described this behavior as "completely unacceptable" and repeatedly criticized the lack of flexibility shown by air traffic control at Berlin Airport. This particularly applies to situations where minor delays are beyond the control of the airlines.
A Ryanair spokesperson emphasized the absurdity of the situation that travelers continue to suffer such disruptions. Flight FR207 from Budapest was delayed solely due to weather conditions and was scheduled to land in Berlin just five minutes after the night flight ban began. However, the denial of landing permission resulted in a forced diversion to Hanover, forcing passengers to endure a long bus ride to Berlin.
The airline is calling on Minister Schnieder to immediately initiate a reform of air traffic control to resolve such situations at Berlin Airport. In the interest of all German passengers who wish to travel without disproportionate and unnecessary disruption, they are appealing for a swift resolution to these intolerable circumstances. The incident once again highlights the debate surrounding compliance with night flight bans and the flexibility of air traffic control in the event of unforeseen events.