Ryanair is set to close its Berlin operating base and reduce its winter schedule to the German capital by 50%, blaming the country’s surging aviation taxes.
The Irish low-cost carrier stated that the relocation of seven aircraft to other hubs will reduce its annual passenger numbers in Berlin from 4.5 million to 2.2 million. Starting in October, flights to and from the city will be served by aircraft based at other airports.
Eddie Wilson, chief executive of the airline’s main operating company, Ryanair DAC, stated “German aviation is broken. The government admits that it is uncompetitive, yet there is no strategy to cut aviation taxes or high airport fees–despite Ryanair’s warnings that Germany would lose traffic, connectivity, jobs, and trade.”
