Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
Ryanair pulls back in Germany as flight costs rise
Ryanair is closing its base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, serving Hamburg far less and no longer flying to Bremen.
The airline says high costs in Germany are part of the reason for its retreat.
The commentary says taxes and passenger fees have doubled, while some other countries have cut aviation taxes.
It argues that airlines are also under pressure from rising fuel costs and are reviewing which routes remain profitable.
Fewer flights can affect travel options and businesses that rely on visitors and connections to other regions.
German policymakers have recognized problems in aviation, but the commentary says their responses have not addressed the underlying costs.
It argues the state should avoid adding unnecessary burdens, rather than subsidizing or directing airlines.
Ryanair is closing its base in Berlin, has sharply reduced flights to Hamburg and no longer serves Bremen, according to WELT.
The article says flight taxes and fees in Germany have doubled, while other countries, including Sweden, have abolished their aviation taxes.
It also says fuel costs have doubled, putting pressure on low-cost airlines and prompting carriers to review whether routes remain economically viable.
The article argues that Germany’s high costs are contributing to route cuts and says the state should avoid burdening aviation unnecessarily.
- Who
- Ryanair is pulling back from German airports.
- What
- It is closing its Berlin base, flying to Hamburg only rarely and no longer serving Bremen.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026 and refers to the pullback as current.
- Where
- Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen, Germany.
- Why
- The article points to high taxes and fees, as well as rising fuel costs, which make some routes uneconomic.
Ryanair
Bremen Senate
Subsidies
Ryanair
Ryanair’s position is not directly stated; the article says the airline objects to high location costs.
Bremen Senate
The Bremen Senate says a low-cost airline should not receive subsidies of up to five euros per passenger.
Airport costs
Ryanair
Ryanair has complained about high location costs and called Berlin Brandenburg Europe’s most unsuccessful airport.
Bremen Senate
The Bremen Senate’s position on airport costs is not stated.
Europe's most unsuccessful airport
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Berlin
- Ryanair is closing its base there
- Hamburg
- Ryanair flies there only rarely
- Bremen
- Ryanair no longer serves the city
- Germany
- Flight taxes and fees have doubled, according to the article
- Fuel costs
- They have doubled, according to the article
Sources
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