Tourexpi
Ryanair,
Europe’s largest airline, has published its July traffic update for Germany,
showing that the country remains the slowest to recover from the pandemic.
Excessive access costs – including the high aviation tax, air traffic control
charges, security fees and airport costs – continue to undermine
competitiveness.
Traffic
at costly airports such as Dresden and Leipzig, where Ryanair has ceased
operations, has fallen to 60% and 74% of pre-Covid levels. Berlin, constrained
by a night-flight ban, remains at just 71%. Data from the German Aviation
Association (BDL) confirm the trend: around 60 aircraft have already been
withdrawn from the German market due to high costs.
The
German market currently recovers at only 89% of pre-Covid levels, making it the
weakest in Europe. This stands in stark contrast to countries such as Italy,
Sweden, Ireland, Hungary and Poland, where governments cut access costs and
abolished aviation taxes to stimulate post-pandemic growth.
Ryanair
CEO Eddie Wilson said Germany is falling behind its competitors because of high
costs and an unreformed aviation tax. “If the government abolished this
unjustified tax and reduced charges, Ryanair would immediately double traffic
and invest $3 billion in new aircraft, routes and jobs.”
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News

Turkish Airlines marks 20 years in Finland
Turkish Airlines has celebrated 20 years of operations in Finland, marking the milestone with an event at Helsinki Airport on March 20, 2026.
Read the News

Hilton plans 125 Hampton hotels in India through partnership with Royal Orchid
Strategic agreement targets major expansion across western and southern India by 2035
Read the News

TUI Care Foundation launches global programme to support sustainable tourism entrepreneurs
Impact loans and mentoring aim to strengthen small tourism businesses and create jobs in destinations worldwide
Read the News

Humano Lima, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opens in Miraflores
New Marriott property blends local culture, creative design and community-focused hospitality
Read the News

Senegal's government bans officials from traveling abroad
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has banned cabinet members from traveling abroad unless absolutely essential. This drastic measure comes in response to the global surge in crude oil prices, triggered by the conflict in Iran and the closure
Read the News

Alaska Airlines expands Military Technician Transition Program
Qualified military service members are invited to apply to Alaska Airlines’ Military Technician Transition Program for future careers at Hawaiian Airlines and its Seattle maintenance base. The program offers a direct pathway to FAA A&P licensure an
Read the News

Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 opens in Bangkok
Five-day celebration at Benchakitti Park highlights Thailand’s UNESCO-recognised Songkran tradition
Read the News

WTTC Report Highlights Global Benefits of Cruise Tourism
New study shows cruise tourism supports jobs, local economies and long-term destination development
Read the News

Six Senses to open new wellness retreat in Beijing’s historic Three Hills and Five Gardens area
Luxury hospitality brand expands in Greater China with a culturally rooted urban resort in Beijing
Read the News

World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes Allianz Partners as industry partner
As part of WTTC’s membership, Allianz Partners will contribute its expertise in travel protection, assistance, and digital innovation to advance discussions around traveller confidence, emergency services, and the evolution of seamless, end-to-end
Read the News

The Answer is Yas. A response to surge in all-inclusive travel trends
In a world of endless options and overwhelming choices, Yas Island stands as the ultimate one-stop destination bringing together seamless planning, world-class entertainment, and curated experiences for every member of the family, all in one place.
Read the News

Rise Meditation helps you find and book transformational experiences
Known as one of the most powerful spiritual destinations in the world, Sedons has long attracted those seeking healing, clarity, and transformation. Yet when people arrive, many face the same question: Where do I begin?
Read the News

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expands pre- and post-cruise programmes for 2027/2028 season
New curated land experiences before and after selected voyages offer guests additional ways to explore destinations beyond the cruise itself
Read the News

Songkran 2026 expected to generate more than 30.35 billion Baht for Thailand
Nationwide celebrations between 11 and 15 April drive tourism growth, with strong domestic and international participation reinforcing Thailand’s global appeal as a cultural travel destination
Read the News

Travel & Tourism becomes world’s fastest-growing sector in 2025
New research shows the industry outpaced global economic growth and generated a record US$11.6 trillion for the global economy
Read the News

Executive Brief explores who will control travel in 2046
Artificial intelligence, trust and access could reshape the global travel industry over the next two decades, according to a new Executive Brief presented by Phocuswright and ITB Berlin
Read the News

Taiwan promotes role as Asia’s cruise gateway at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026
Tourism authority highlights strong air connectivity, port infrastructure and new incentives for cruise lines while presenting the “Taiwan 100 Ways” travel concept
Read the News

Princess Cruises launches largest-ever Japan season and expanded Southeast Asia programme
New Asia sailings combine festival experiences, cultural highlights and longer itineraries across multiple countries
Read the News

Iberia suspends direct flights to Cuba due to declining demand
Spanish airline plans to pause Madrid–Havana route from June and review resumption later in the year
Read the News

Air France expands summer 2026 network with new Las Vegas route
Stronger focus on the Americas, more capacity to Asia and continued premium upgrades across the fleet
Read the News

Delta unveils next-generation Delta One suites for A350-1000 and A330 fleet
New premium cabins, upgraded entertainment and enhanced comfort aim to redefine the onboard experience
