Ryanair Cuts Flights in Germany Including Berlin

Ryanair has announced a substantial reduction in its services in Germany for the summer of 2025, citing high operational costs due to increased aviation taxes and fees. The airline will cease operations in Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig, and significantly cut flights in both Hamburg and Berlin, amounting to a 12% reduction in its German traffic and a loss of 1.8 million seats. Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson criticized the German government's financial support for Lufthansa and called for a reduction in air travel taxes, warning of negative impacts on tourism, jobs, and connectivity. Despite these cutbacks, Ryanair does not expect job losses within the company, though it foresees broader economic effects. The airline's decision reflects ongoing tensions with the German government over aviation policies, as Ryanair argues for a more competitive environment. Ryanair's actions underscore the challenges faced by the airline industry in recovering from the pandemic, with Germany lagging behind other European markets.