Ryanair to Close Berlin Base, Halve Flight Operations Amid Rising German Aviation Costs

Ryanair, the Irish budget airline, announced plans to close its base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport and reduce flights to the German capital by 50%, marking a significant contraction of its operations in one of Europe's major markets.

The closure, scheduled for 24 October 2026, will see Ryanair withdraw all seven aircraft currently stationed in Berlin. This move is expected to decrease the annual passenger throughput from 4.5 million to approximately 2.2 million, according to the company's press release dated 24 April.

Financial Pressures Drive Strategic Shift

Ryanair attributed the decision to escalate operating costs in Germany, particularly the increased airport charges and aviation taxes, which have rendered the market unprofitable for a budget carrier. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Berlin Brandenburg Airport has increased its fees by 50%, despite a 30% decline in passenger traffic—from 36 million in 2019 to 26 million projected in 2025.

"German aviation policy has let down its citizens by relying heavily on high aviation taxes and airport charges," stated Ryanair, highlighting that aviation taxes have more than doubled from €7.30 to €15.50 per passenger since 2019.

Additional charges have also risen sharply: security fees are set to double from €10 in 2024 to €20 by 2028, and air traffic management fees have tripled from €1 to €3.30 per passenger. These cost pressures have prompted Ryanair to reallocate its Berlin aircraft to airports in countries with more favorable tax regimes, including Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy—where aviation taxes have been abolished or reduced.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport representatives contested Ryanair's claims, stating no such planned fee increases are currently scheduled. The airport described Ryanair's announcement as unexpected and confirmed ongoing negotiations between the parties.

Implications for Ryanair's Workforce and European Strategy

The airline plans to commence consultations with staff imminently. Ryanair has committed to relocating all flight crew members to other positions within its European network. This redeployment aligns with the company's broader strategy to accelerate passenger growth and job creation in markets with more competitive operating costs.

CEO Eddie Wilson characterized Germany's aviation sector as being in crisis, lamenting the lack of governmental strategies to reduce taxes and fees. He noted previous closures of Ryanair bases in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Stuttgart, along with the termination of flights to Dresden, Leipzig, and Dortmund since 2019.

This retrenchment signals a strategic pivot by Ryanair to optimize its network efficiency amid challenging regulatory environments, emphasizing cost control as essential for sustaining low fares and profitability.