Ryanair has issued a stark warning to the German government, demanding a reversal of the recent aviation tax increase. The airline threatens to reduce its flight offerings in Germany if the costs remain high.
Ryanair has called on the German government to roll back the aviation tax hike implemented in May. This Irish low-cost carrier warned that if the increase is not reversed, it would cut its offerings from German airports by 10% next summer, amounting to a reduction of 1.5 million seats. The airline plans to shift its capacity to countries with lower operational costs.
In addition to demanding lower air traffic control fees, Ryanair also urged the government to scrap the planned fee increases for airport security checks. According to Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson, these high government-imposed costs are the main reason why air travel in Germany is recovering more slowly from the COVID-19 shock compared to other European countries. Wilson stated, “The German air traffic market is fractured and urgently needs to be reformed.”
Rising ticket prices and industry concerns
Recent data from the Federal Statistical Office confirmed the rise in ticket prices in Germany. While long-haul flights became slightly cheaper in the first half of 2024, prices for flights within Europe increased by 2.7% compared to the same period last year. The German aviation industry association BDL also criticized the high cost burden at German airports and called for a moratorium on further financial pressures on the aviation sector.
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