Ryanair has announced it will axe half of its flights from Berlin, a major European airport, impacting UK routes including those from Birmingham, London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The low-cost carrier confirmed a 50% reduction in its flight schedule to and from Berlin, citing a 10% increase in airport fees on top of a 50% rise since 2019.
Ryanair CEO Blames Airport Fees
Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson stated: “We regret to announce this planned closure of our 7 aircraft Berlin base from October 24, 2026, but we have no alternative following the Airport’s latest 10 per cent fee increase to its already high airport fees. This comes on top of the 50 per cent increase in Berlin’s airport fees since 2019.”
Wilson emphasized that efficient operations and competitive airport fees are essential for long-term traffic growth and connectivity. He added: “This is impossible at Berlin following the German Govt’s failure to abolish its harmful aviation tax and Berlin Airport’s decision to again increase its already high airport fees. With no meaningful cost reform in Berlin or in Germany nationally, we have no alternative but to switch aircraft from Germany to other more competitive markets elsewhere in Europe.”
Impact on Passenger Numbers
The shake-up means Ryanair passenger numbers in Berlin will fall from 4.5 million to 2.2 million by next year. The airline, which competes with Jet2, TUI, and Easyjet, has blamed the fee increases, which have risen by 50% since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an additional 10% planned.
Ryanair Expands at London Stansted
In contrast, Ryanair announced 100 new cabin crew jobs at its London Stansted base to support its growth target of 300 million passengers by 2034. Jade Kirwan of Ryanair said: “We’re excited to announce 100 new cabin crew positions at our London Stansted base to support Ryanair growth to 300 million passengers by 2034. Those interested in building a career with Europe’s largest and lowest fare airline – Ryanair – where hard work is rewarded with fast-track career opportunities and incredible benefits, like discounted travel across our industry leading network of over 235 destinations, should come along to our recruitment event taking place on Monday, 27 April, in Radisson Blu Hotel at Stansted Airport, to meet some of the Ryanair team and learn more about these exciting new cabin crew roles.”
