Germany: Ryanair joins tourism association BTW amid aviation cost debate

Germany

The airline is expanding its engagement with Germany’s tourism industry as it pushes for lower taxes, fees and airport charges

Ryanair has joined the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW), bringing one of Europe’s largest airlines into the organisation representing companies and associations across Germany’s tourism sector. The move comes as the airline continues to campaign for lower aviation costs and more competitive conditions in the German market.

Through its BTW membership, Ryanair intends to work more closely with tourism industry stakeholders on aviation policy, connectivity and Germany’s position in European competition. The airline argues that taxes and other access costs are restricting capacity growth and making Germany less attractive for airline investment.

Ryanair renews call for lower aviation costs

Ryanair has repeatedly called on the German government to abolish the aviation tax and reduce security fees, air traffic control charges and airport costs.

According to the airline, German aviation capacity currently stands at 89 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Ryanair contrasts this development with markets including Morocco, Italy, Albania, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden, where it says governments or airports have reduced aviation taxes or charges to stimulate capacity and traffic.

The airline argues that lower access costs in Germany could encourage additional connectivity, strengthen inbound tourism and support regional economies.

“Ryanair is pleased to join the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry and strengthen our engagement with Germany’s tourism industry,” said Marcel Pouchain Meyer, Ryanair Head of Communications DACH. “Germany should be one of Europe’s most competitive aviation and tourism markets, but high taxes, airport charges and other access costs continue to hold it back.”

He added that lower costs and greater competition could help restore connectivity while providing consumers with lower fares and more choice.

BTW calls air connectivity core travel infrastructure

For BTW, Ryanair’s membership broadens the representation of the aviation sector within the association at a time when the competitive position of German air transport remains the subject of an intensive industry debate.

“We are pleased to welcome Ryanair to the BTW. Given the pressure on aviation in Germany, we see this expanded industry representation as a clear signal to policymakers,” said BTW Secretary-General Sven Liebert.

“Germany needs a genuine commitment to remaining a strong aviation market. Air links are core travel infrastructure – making them ever more expensive weakens tourism, business travel and economic growth alike.”

BTW intends to continue working with its members for competitive conditions and a regulatory environment designed to maintain mobility. For Ryanair, joining the association provides another platform to bring its positions on aviation taxation, airport charges and competition into the wider German tourism policy debate.