Ryanair is making significant changes to its European flight operations in 2025, citing rising aviation taxes as the primary reason.
The airline, led by Michael O’Leary, has announced route reductions across the continent, particularly impacting Spain, Italy, Denmark, France, and Germany. The decision comes as the low-cost Irish carrier looks to mitigate additional operational costs imposed by various governments.
According to Ryanair, the airline is scaling back flights and discontinuing specific routes due to increasing airport surcharges.
The company has repeatedly criticized these tax hikes, urging authorities to reduce air traffic control (ATC) fees, eliminate aviation taxes, and lift passenger traffic caps.
In a New Year’s Day manifesto, the airline emphasized that governments should cover these costs instead of passing them on to airlines and passengers.
Spain Suffers Major Route Reductions
Spain will experience the most severe cutbacks among the affected regions. Ryanair has confirmed an 18% reduction in summer traffic, equating to the loss of approximately 800,000 seats across 12 routes.
The airline has decided to halt operations entirely in Jerez and Valladolid and close a base in Santiago. Additionally, reductions in flight capacity will impact Asturias, Zaragoza, Santander, and Vigo.
Describing the cuts as a “completely avoidable loss,” the airline warned that these changes would devastate regional connectivity, employment, and tourism in Spain.
Ryanair further argued that its decision was driven by increased costs, which make some European markets less competitive than others that have actively reduced expenses.
Eddie Wilson, Ryanair’s CEO, blamed Aena, the Spanish state-controlled airport operator, accusing it of imposing “unjustified” price increases. While Aena initially reduced airport charges, the airline claims these fees have steadily risen.
Aena, however, defended its pricing, stating that the average charge per passenger remains at €10.35 (£8.75), one of the lowest in Europe.
Italy Faces Aircraft Removal
Italy is also experiencing Ryanair flight cuts. The airline recently announced plans to remove an aircraft from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, the country’s largest hub.
This decision follows the introduction of new municipal surcharges at major Italian airports, set to take effect on April 1, 2025.
As a result, Ryanair stated that Rome will see no growth in air traffic despite the Jubilee Year celebrations, which are expected to attract large numbers of visitors.
Denmark Hit by New Aviation Tax
Introducing a DKK50 (£5.60) aviation tax in Denmark has led Ryanair to withdraw services from Aalborg. The airline described the new tax as making regional airports “hopelessly uncompetitive” compared to other EU nations.
The decision will result in a loss of 1.7 million seats and the suspension of 32 routes for the summer season. Flights from London Stansted to Aalborg are available for £14.99, but these services will cease next month.
Additionally, Ryanair will shut down its Billund Airport base, which currently operates two aircraft.
While Ryanair passengers can no longer access Billund, alternative services will still be available via British Airways.
Germany’s Routes Slashed
In Germany, Ryanair plans to reduce its flight schedule by 12% this summer, attributing the cuts to high aviation taxes and air traffic control costs.
Twenty-two routes will be discontinued nationwide, and Hamburg International Airport will experience a 60% reduction in services. Also, Leipzig, Dortmund, and Dresden bases are slated for closure.
France May See Future Cuts
Although no official Ryanair flight cancellations have been announced for France, the airline has issued warnings over the country’s increasing aviation tax. The tax on economy class short-haul flights within France or Europe is set to rise from €2.63 to €7.40 per departing flight.
The tax increase is backed by Amélie de Montchalin, the Minister of Public Accounts, who described it as a “measure of fiscal and ecological justice.”
She highlighted that the wealthiest 20% of the population accounts for more than half of air travel expenses.
At a recent press conference, Michael O’Leary criticized the tax hike, stating that France is already a high-tax country and that further increases could lead Ryanair to scale back operations.
“France is going against the tide,” he stated. “Europe will not become more efficient or competitive by over-taxing airfares.”
As Ryanair implements these schedule changes, passengers travelling to and from these affected European destinations should remain updated on potential disruptions to their travel plans.
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