Ryanair Cuts Berlin Flights Amid High German Aviation Costs

The Great Aviation Migration: Why Low-Cost Carriers are Pivoting Away from Germany

The aviation landscape in Europe is shifting. When a giant like Ryanair decides to shut down a major base and slash its capacity by 50%, it isn’t just a corporate reshuffle—it’s a loud signal about the economic viability of certain markets. The decision to close the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) base highlights a growing trend: the migration of aircraft to lower-cost European hubs.

For the Irish ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), the math simply no longer adds up in the German capital. By removing seven aircraft and expecting traffic to drop from 4.5 million to 2.2 million passengers by 2027, the airline is prioritizing markets that offer more competitive operating environments.

The Price of Flight: A Comparative Look at Aviation Costs

The tension between airlines and airport operators often boils down to a battle over fees, and taxes. According to Ryanair, airport charges at BER have surged by approximately 50% since 2019, with a further 10% increase planned for the 2027-2029 period.

Yet, the issue extends far beyond a single airport. Ralf Beizels, CEO of the ADV (German airports association), argues that the problem is systemic. The German aviation sector is struggling with a cost structure that makes it less competitive than its neighbors.

The ‘Tax Gap’ in Action

To understand the scale of the disparity, look at the hard data regarding taxes and fees:

• Short-Haul: A flight from Berlin to Palma de Mallorca costs an airline approximately €7,600 in taxes and fees, compared to roughly €4,400 for the same route from Warsaw.
• Long-Haul: Flights from Germany to Modern York cost airlines about €23,500 in taxes and fees, although the average at other European airports is significantly lower at €13,900.

These figures illustrate why carriers are increasingly viewing Germany as one of the most expensive aviation economies in Europe, citing high air traffic control fees and security charges as primary burdens.

Future Trends: Where is the Capacity Heading?

As airlines pull back from high-cost environments, we are seeing a strategic reallocation of assets. Ryanair has explicitly stated that it will relocate its aircraft to countries that have recently reduced taxes and charges for operators.

Key growth markets now include:

• Sweden
• Italy
• Albania
• Slovakia

This trend suggests a future where European aviation growth is concentrated in nations that treat aviation as a strategic economic driver by lowering the barrier to entry for budget carriers. While the German government has attempted to ease pressures—such as reducing air passenger taxes by up to €11 per passenger starting in July—industry leaders suggest these measures may not be enough to reverse the trend.

Systemic Risks for the German Aviation Sector

The closure of the Berlin base is not an isolated incident; We see the fourth base closure for Ryanair in Germany. The airline now operates 20 fewer aircraft in the country than it did in 2019.

The concern shared by the ADV is that excessive taxes and fees are preventing German airports from participating in the dynamic growth seen across the rest of Europe. If the cost of doing business continues to climb—with security charges expected to double again by 2028—Germany risks a long-term decline in its connectivity and competitiveness.

For more insights on European travel trends, check out our guide on the rise of secondary airport hubs or read about Ryanair’s strategic shifts.

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