Ryanair criticises Germany’s aviation strategy and calls for cost reforms - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Ryanair has criticised the German government’s newly published National Aviation Strategy, arguing that it fails to address the structural cost disadvantages that continue to weaken Germany’s aviation market. The airline is calling for the abolition of Germany’s air travel tax and a 50% reduction in airport access charges, warning that further traffic and investment could shift to competing European markets if reforms are not implemented.

According to Ryanair, the strategy contains no concrete measures to restore Germany’s competitiveness despite months of consultation with industry stakeholders.

Airline highlights rising costs and declining competitiveness

Ryanair argues that years of increasing aviation taxes, high airport and air traffic control charges, and regulatory restrictions have made Germany one of Europe’s least competitive aviation markets.

The carrier points to countries such as Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia and parts of Italy, where governments have reduced aviation-related costs or abolished air travel taxes in an effort to stimulate passenger growth and attract airline investment.

The airline also criticised the German government for not delivering on a previously announced reduction of the air travel tax.

Growth potential linked to lower charges

According to Ryanair, Germany remains one of the weakest-performing aviation markets in Europe in terms of post-pandemic recovery. The airline claims that passenger volumes are still significantly below pre-Covid levels, while many competing European airports are experiencing strong growth.

Ryanair says it could double its German passenger traffic to 34 million passengers annually by deploying up to 30 additional aircraft and opening new operational bases. However, the airline maintains that such investment would depend on a substantial reduction in aviation-related costs.

The carrier argues that lower taxes and airport charges would stimulate demand, improve connectivity and support tourism and job creation across the country.

Aviation seen as driver of economic growth

Commenting on the strategy, Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair DAC, described the publication as a missed opportunity for the German aviation sector.

“The publication of a National Aviation Strategy without concrete measures to ensure competitive access costs is a complete waste of time,” Wilson said.

He argued that aviation plays a critical role in supporting tourism, business connectivity and economic development and warned that airlines would continue to allocate capacity to more competitive European markets unless Germany addresses its cost structure.

Call for broader regulatory reform

In addition to abolishing the air travel tax and reducing airport charges, Ryanair is calling for measures to align the cost burden of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) more closely with the international CORSIA framework.

The airline believes such reforms would help create a more level competitive environment while supporting the transition towards more sustainable aviation.

Ryanair also warned that Germany risks losing further airline capacity if structural reforms are delayed. According to the carrier, lower aviation costs would ultimately generate broader economic benefits through increased visitor numbers, higher tax revenues, job creation and stronger tourism performance.

The debate over aviation taxes and airport charges is expected to remain a key issue for the German aviation and tourism sectors as policymakers seek ways to strengthen the country’s international connectivity and competitiveness.

Image Credit: © Ryanair