Ryanair, known for its low-cost flights, announced that it is withdrawing from nine airports in Germany, including Hamburg, due to rising aviation taxes.
The world-famous low-cost airline Ryanair has made a notable decision following the new aviation taxes that came into effect in Germany last year. The company announced that it will withdraw from nine airports in Germany.
Ryanair stated that the aviation taxes, which were increased by 24% in May 2024, have made it unsustainable to continue its operations in Germany. According to the company’s statement, 24 flight connections, including those at Hamburg, will be cancelled.
Flights Will Be Suspended During the Winter Season as Well
Ryanair confirmed that the connections to Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig, which were suspended in April 2025, will remain out of service even during the winter season. As a result, the company has significantly reduced its presence in the German market.
Flight Cuts Have Happened Before
Previously, for similar reasons, Ryanair had cut 20% of its flights to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. In addition to tax increases in Germany, other additional financial burdens in European countries are also affecting the company’s operations.
Last year, due to additional taxes imposed by Spain’s state airport operator Aena, Ryanair decided to reduce its flights at seven regional airports for the 2025 summer season. Within this scope, the company reduced capacity on 12 routes by 18% and offered approximately 800,000 fewer seats for sale.
Tax Increases Challenge Airlines
Ryanair officials stated that the recent rise in taxes in the aviation sector threatens low-cost transportation and argued that these measures have a negative impact on tourism and competitiveness.
