Ryanair to Close Berlin Base Amid Rising Airport Fees and Declining Competitiveness in Germany
Ryanair announced this Friday its intention to close its seven-aircraft base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport on October 24, 2026. This strategic decision will result in a 50% reduction in flight volume operated by the airline to and from the German capital.
Fee Hikes: The Catalyst for Withdrawal
The move is a direct response to Berlin Airport’s announcement of a new 10% increase in airport charges for the 2027-2029 period. This hike follows a previous 50% surge in airport fees since the start of the pandemic. This comes at a time when Berlin’s air traffic has plummeted by nearly 30%, dropping from 36 million passengers in 2019 to an estimated 26 million by 2025.
Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair DAC, characterized the situation as a consequence of a “failed” German aviation policy that relies on high taxes and excessive costs. According to Wilson, airport management has chosen to raise prices rather than implement incentives to recover lost traffic, leaving Berlin at a disadvantage compared to other European markets that are slashing fees to stimulate growth.
→ Ryanair Moves Airport Check-in and Bag Drop Deadline to 60 Minutes Before Departure
Breakdown of Operating Costs in Germany
The airline points out that the operating environment in Germany has become unsustainable due to multiple factors:
- Aviation Tax: The levy has risen from €7.30 to €15.50 per passenger since 2019.
- Security Fees: These have doubled, rising from €10 in 2024 to a projected €20 per passenger by January 2028.
- ATC Services: Air Traffic Control charges have tripled, increasing from €1 to €3.30 per passenger.
Fleet Reallocation and Expansion in Efficient Markets
The seven aircraft currently based in Berlin will be relocated to lower-cost airports within other EU member states that have abolished aviation taxes, specifically citing Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy.
Regarding labor impact, Ryanair has already formally notified its pilots and cabin crew of the planned closure for 2026. The company indicated it will begin consultations with staff shortly and assured that all crew members will be eligible for alternative positions within the airline’s European network, leveraging the company’s growth plans outside of Germany.
Impact on Berlin’s Air Connectivity
While Ryanair will continue to serve Berlin using aircraft based outside of Germany, the airline’s traffic in the city is expected to drop by 50% in 2027, falling from 4.5 million to 2.2 million annual passengers.
This closure adds to the airline’s history of retreat from the German market. Since 2019, Ryanair has been forced to close its bases in Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Stuttgart, as well as cease operations in cities such as Dresden, Leipzig, and Dortmund.
Ryanair’s departure from Berlin underscores the widening competitiveness gap between Germany and other European markets.
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