The aviation industry is facing significant challenges, and Ryanair is feeling the pressure. Recently, the airline announced that it will cut a staggering 1.8 million seats in Germany for the summer of 2025. This news has affected many, especially those of us planning visits with family and friends next year. For instance, we noticed that Ryanair has canceled flights from Nuremberg to Valencia. While travel isn’t impossible, other airlines often lack direct flights, increasing travel times from 2.5 to 5 hours or more. Ryanair isn’t alone in these cuts; Eurowings also plans to reduce over 1,000 flights to and from Hamburg starting in 2025. Both airlines are forced to drastically reduce their capacity due to the heavy tax burden.

 

High Taxes: The Main Reason for Flight Reductions

According to Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair, air travel taxes in Germany rank among the highest in Europe. These exorbitant fees burden not only the airlines but also travelers, who can expect rising ticket prices. Without swift action from the German government, Germany may become an unattractive destination, potentially leading to a further decline in passenger numbers.

 

Impact on German Airports

Airports such as Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig will be significantly affected, as they will have to completely eliminate Ryanair services. Hamburg faces a 60% reduction in Ryanair flights. These changes will not only limit travel options for consumers but may also lead to economic losses for the affected regions. Fewer flights translate to fewer tourists, negatively impacting local businesses and the overall economy.

 

Comparison with Other European Countries

Compared to other countries, Germany’s situation appears bleak. While countries like Sweden and Poland are lowering flight prices, Germany lags behind in its air travel strategy. If the government does not respond, Germany risks losing its competitive edge in international travel. Airlines may shift their flights to countries with lower taxes, resulting in decreased passenger numbers and adverse economic effects on airports and the tourism sector.

 

2024 v. 2019 (Pre-Covid) Traffic
Country	Recovery	Tax
Spain	113 %	0 €
Italy	111 %	0 €
Poland	110 %	0 €
Ireland	107 %	0 €
Germany	87 %	15,53 €

 

A Wake-Up Call for the German Government

Ryanair has urged the government to reconsider its tax strategy. Transport Minister Volker Wissing, it’s time to act! Travelers urgently need cheaper flight options, and the government must ensure Germany is not labeled a high-tax destination for air travel. Ryanair had ambitious plans to increase passenger numbers in Germany to 34 million, but under current conditions, this seems nearly impossible.

 

The Future of Aviation in Germany

Without changes to the current framework, the long-term effects on Germany’s aviation industry could be severe. Higher ticket prices, fewer flights, and potential job losses are all possible scenarios. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to act now to support airlines and provide fair conditions for travelers.

 

Conclusion

In summary, Ryanairs decision to cut 1.8 million seats sends a clear signal to the German government to rethink its air travel taxes. Affordable flying is essential for both airlines and travelers. We hope that conditions improve soon, allowing us to continue flying easily to our favorite destinations.

 

We hope these tips help you master your expat life even better! Do you have your own experiences or further recommendations on the topic of moving abroad? Feel free to leave us a comment! Share this post with others who could benefit from these tips, and stay tuned for more inspiration from life as an expat.

Your Steffi & Marius