Widespread Route Cancellations Across Europe

In a significant shake-up affecting travelers across Europe, Ryanair has announced the cancellation of numerous flight routes in response to escalating aviation taxes and operational costs. Countries including Denmark, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France are among those hardest hit, with several routes being reduced or entirely eliminated.

Denmark: Complete Withdrawal from Key Airports

Ryanair has declared a full withdrawal from Denmark’s Billund and Aalborg airports by the end of March 2025. This decision comes on the heels of the Danish government’s introduction of a 50 DKK (€6.70) aviation tax per departing passenger. The airline’s exit will result in the cancellation of 32 routes and the loss of approximately 1.7 million seats, significantly impacting Denmark’s connectivity and tourism industry.

Germany: Major Reductions and Airport Exits

In Germany, Ryanair plans to reduce its flight offerings by 12% for the summer of 2025. This includes the complete closure of operations at Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig airports, as well as a 60% reduction in services at Hamburg. These changes will lead to the elimination of 22 routes and a reduction of 1.8 million seats. The airline attributes these cuts to high operational costs and increased airport fees in the country.

Spain: Significant Cuts in Regional Airports

Spain is set to experience an 18% reduction in Ryanair’s summer 2025 traffic, equating to the loss of 800,000 seats and 12 routes. The airline will cease operations in Jerez and Valladolid, remove one aircraft from its Santiago base, and reduce traffic at five other regional airports: Vigo (down 61%), Santiago (down 28%), Zaragoza (down 20%), Asturias (down 11%), and Santander (down 5%). Ryanair’s CEO, Eddie Wilson, stated that “excessive airport charges and lack of workable growth incentives continue to undermine Spain’s regional airports.”

Italy: Reduction in Rome-Based Operations

In Italy, Ryanair plans to remove one of its Rome-based aircraft from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport starting April 1, 2025. This move is in response to increased airport costs and the government’s decision to raise municipal surcharges at major Italian airports. The airline has criticized these measures, suggesting they stifle connectivity and tourism in Rome, especially ahead of the 2025 Jubilee year.

France: Potential Reductions Amid Tax Hikes

While no specific route cancellations have been confirmed in France, Ryanair has expressed concerns over the French government’s proposal to more than double the aviation tax by 2025. The airline has indicated that such tax increases could lead to a reduction in capacity to and from France, potentially affecting numerous routes and passengers.

Impact on Travelers and the Aviation Industry

These extensive route cancellations and reductions are poised to affect millions of passengers, limiting travel options and potentially leading to higher fares on remaining routes. The airline industry continues to grapple with balancing operational costs against affordable travel offerings, and these recent developments underscore the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in the current economic climate.

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