Ryanair to Cut German Winter Routes Over Air Tax

Ryanair is set to reduce its German winter routes and the number of aircraft based in Germany for the winter 2021/2022 schedule. This initiative includes the closure of its base at Frankfurt Hahn airport, alongside capacity reductions at other German airports.

The cuts are a direct result of the German government’s decision to increase its air travel tax, according to Ryanair’s Group CEO Michael O’Leary. The tax, which became effective on 1 January 2021, is now described by O’Leary as being “among the highest” in Europe, making Germany an uncompetitive market for low-fare airlines.

O’Leary highlighted that other European governments are either reducing or waiving similar air travel taxes to assist airlines in their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Ryanair anticipates a decrease in both German domestic and international capacity due to these adjustments. The airline plans to reallocate the affected capacity to other countries where governments are more supportive of airline growth by implementing tax reductions or waivers.

### Key Points

* German air travel tax increase effective: 1 January 2021
* Ryanair route and aircraft cuts apply to: Winter 2021/2022 schedule

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