Irish low-cost airline Ryanair announced significant service cutbacks in Germany for the summer of 2025.
It is citing high operational costs for the reduction.
The airline will no longer fly to Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig, and will reduce its flights to Hamburg by 60%, with a 20% reduction already announced for Berlin.
Wilson highlighted that Germany has recovered only 82% of its pre-pandemic air traffic, the worst recovery rate in Europe.
He further criticised Germany for supporting Lufthansa with £5bn during the COVID pandemic, adding that such policies raise flight prices for both German citizens and visitors.
Despite the reduced flight schedules, Ryanair does not anticipate job losses within its company but warned of potential ripple effects on industries like hospitality and transportation
Despite the reduced flight schedules, Ryanair does not anticipate job losses within its company but warned of potential ripple effects on industries like hospitality and transportation.
Wilson said that Ryanair had presented a “7-year growth plan” to the German government, which was met with no response, accusing the government of being “shortsighted” in not supporting airline growth in the country.
Germany’s increased air travel tax, ranging from €15 to €70 depending on flight length, was another factor in Ryanair’s decision.
Both the BDF (Germany’s airline federation) and the ADV (another industry group) warned that Ryanair’s exit could signal further setbacks for the country’s air travel sector, with Hamburg likely facing more disruptions as airport fees are set to rise in 2025.