Ryanair Closes Berlin Base April 28: 7 Aircraft Relocated

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, announced on April 28 that it will close its Berlin operating base effective October 24, 2026. The Irish budget carrier cited soaring German aviation taxes and a dramatic 27% decline in Berlin air traffic since 2019 as the primary reasons for the decision. The closure will result in the relocation of seven aircraft to other European airports, reducing Ryanair’s annual Berlin passenger capacity from 4.5 million to 2.2 million. This marks a significant shift in the airline’s European strategy and reflects broader challenges facing Germany’s aviation sector amid rising operational costs.

Why Ryanair Is Leaving Berlin

Ryanair’s decision to exit Berlin stems from a combination of structural challenges and policy headwinds. The airline described Berlin as the “most failing airport in Europe,” pointing to a dramatic collapse in passenger traffic. Berlin airport traffic has plummeted 27% since 2019, dropping from 36 million passengers to just 26 million last year.

Rising Aviation Taxes Drive Costs Up 50%

German aviation taxes have become a major burden for budget carriers. Ryanair reported that operating costs at Berlin have surged 50%, with another 10% increase expected from 2027. These tax increases make the base economically unviable for a low-cost operator like Ryanair, which relies on thin margins and high efficiency. The airline has explicitly blamed Germany’s tax policy for making Berlin uncompetitive compared to other European hubs.

Post-COVID Recovery Stalled

While most European airports have recovered from pandemic disruptions, Berlin’s recovery has stalled. The airport’s inability to attract sufficient passenger demand, combined with rising costs, created an unsustainable business model. Ryanair’s exit signals that Berlin’s competitive position in European aviation has weakened significantly since 2019.

Impact on Berlin Operations and Staff

The closure will fundamentally reshape Ryanair’s presence in Germany’s capital. The airline will reduce its winter flight schedule to Berlin by 50%, with all seven Berlin-based aircraft being reallocated to lower-cost airports in other EU states. Ryanair will relocate aircraft to Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy, where aviation taxes have been abolished or are significantly lower.

Passenger Capacity Halved

The relocation will cut Ryanair’s annual Berlin passenger numbers from 4.5 million to 2.2 million—a 51% reduction. This dramatic shift means fewer flight options for Berlin travelers and reduced connectivity to European destinations. Flights to and from Berlin will still operate from October 2026 onward, but they will be served by aircraft based at other airports, increasing operational complexity and potentially raising ticket prices.

Staff Transfers Offered

Ryanair has offered Berlin-based staff transfers to other European bases. While the airline is attempting to minimize job losses through relocation opportunities, the closure will still result in reduced employment at the Berlin facility. The exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, but the loss of seven aircraft operations represents a significant workforce reduction.

Broader Implications for German Aviation

Ryanair’s exit from Berlin reflects deeper structural problems in Germany’s aviation sector. The airline’s decision sends a clear signal to policymakers about the consequences of high-tax, high-cost policies on airline operations and airport competitiveness. Germany’s aviation tax policy is now directly linked to job losses and reduced connectivity.

Tax Policy Consequences

German aviation taxes were designed to promote environmental sustainability, but they have created unintended consequences. Budget carriers like Ryanair, which operate on razor-thin margins, cannot absorb these costs and remain competitive. The airline’s relocation of aircraft to tax-free jurisdictions demonstrates how tax policy can drive business decisions and reduce economic activity in high-tax regions.

Competitive Disadvantage for Berlin

Berlin airport now faces a competitive disadvantage against other European hubs. With Ryanair reducing capacity by half, Berlin loses a major source of passenger traffic and airline revenue. Other German airports and competing European hubs will benefit from Ryanair’s reallocation of aircraft, potentially accelerating Berlin’s decline in the European aviation market.

Final Thoughts

Ryanair’s October 2026 Berlin base closure reflects how aviation taxes and cost pressures make the city uncompetitive for budget carriers. The airline will cut passenger capacity in half and relocate seven aircraft to lower-cost EU countries. This decision signals that German aviation policy needs reassessment, as carriers will move operations elsewhere when taxes become unsustainable. Berlin faces reduced connectivity and fewer affordable flight options for travelers.

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