On October 10, 2024, the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair made the drastic decision to cut its German flight offering for summer 2025 by 12%, which corresponds to 1,8 million seats and 22 canceled routes. The airline even plans to withdraw from some airports entirely.
This measure is a direct response to the high government charges, in particular the air traffic tax and the security and air traffic control fees, which Ryanair sees as an obstacle to the recovery and growth of the aviation industry in Germany. In particular, the closures in Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig and the drastic reduction of services in Hamburg by 60% raise questions about the future of Germany as an aviation location. The impact on mobility, tourism and the country's economic connectivity could be significant.
High costs as an obstacle
Ryanair criticises German government measures, which it believes are hindering the return to normality after the pandemic. With only 82% of 2019 traffic, Germany is the worst performing aviation market in Europe. In contrast, countries such as Sweden, Italy, Hungary and Poland have successfully implemented lower access costs, which has led to an increase in capacity and traffic. Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson stresses that the high government levies result in the highest airfares in Europe, which places a heavy burden on both German citizens and international visitors.
"The decision to cease all operations in Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig, as well as the massive reduction in service in Hamburg, sends a clear message to the German government," Wilson said. "The extremely high access costs have led to Germany falling behind in air transport."
Jobs and tourism in danger?
The reduction of 1,8 million seats and the cancellation of 22 routes could have devastating consequences for employment in the aviation and tourism sectors. The closures in important cities such as Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig will not only affect the mobility of travelers, but also the economic prospects of the affected regions. According to ADV CEO Ralph Beisel, this is another setback for the German aviation market and an indication of the uncertainty that many European airlines feel about the German market.
"Germany as an aviation location is falling below the level of 2013. Airlines are avoiding German airports due to distortions of competition. We must reduce the state-related location costs in order to improve competitiveness," said Beisel.
According to Ryanair, the cuts at the airports will be as follows:
AIRPORT | CAPACITY |
Dortmund | CLOSE |
Leipzig | CLOSE |
Dresden | CLOSE |
Hamburg | -60% |
Berlin | -20% |
FURTHER | -10% |
DEAD. | -12% |
TOTAL CUTS IN GERMANY | |
SEATS | -1.8M |
STRETCH | -22 |
CAPACITY | -12% |
A cry for help to politicians
In view of these developments, Ryanair is calling on Transport Minister Volker Wissing and the German government to take immediate action to reduce the high access costs. This includes abolishing the air traffic tax and reducing air traffic control fees, which have increased by 2019% since 100. The airline also believes that the increase in the cap on security fees, which is due to come into force in January 2025, should be reconsidered.
"Only lower costs will enable Germany to restore its pre-Covid traffic levels. Minister Wissing must act now, otherwise German citizens will continue to pay the highest airfares," warns Wilson.
Outlook for the future
Ryanair's decision to significantly reduce its presence in the German market could have long-term consequences for the entire industry. Experts agree that without significant political intervention, the competitiveness of German air traffic will continue to decline. Ryanair has presented a seven-year growth plan that envisages doubling traffic from 16 million to 34 million passengers. But so far there has been no response from federal and state governments.
Current developments show that the aviation market in Germany is at a critical point. It remains to be seen whether the federal government will take the necessary steps to revitalize the aviation industry and ensure the mobility of citizens. Given the tense situation and ongoing challenges, quick action is required to show not only Ryanair, but also other airlines, that the German market can become attractive again.