Ryanair to close Berlin base and cut capacity amid rising costs

Germany

Airline plans to redeploy seven aircraft as fees and taxes weigh on traffic recovery

Ryanair has announced plans to close its Berlin base from 24 October 2026 and reduce flight capacity to and from the German capital by 50 percent in the winter schedule. The move includes the redeployment of seven aircraft currently stationed in Berlin to lower-cost airports in other European countries.

The decision follows continued cost increases at Berlin airports and broader regulatory pressures in Germany. According to the airline, airport charges have risen by around 50 percent since the COVID period, with a further increase of 10 percent planned between 2027 and 2029. At the same time, passenger traffic in Berlin has not fully recovered, declining from 36 million in 2019 to around 26 million in 2025.

Cost pressure reshapes network strategy

Ryanair links the planned withdrawal directly to Germany’s aviation cost environment, including rising passenger taxes, security charges and air navigation fees. The airline argues that these increases have weakened Berlin’s competitiveness compared to other European markets.

As a result, the seven aircraft are expected to be redeployed to countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania and Italy, where aviation taxes have been reduced or abolished and operating costs are lower.

Impact on connectivity and tourism

The capacity reduction is expected to affect Berlin’s air connectivity, particularly in the low-cost segment. For the travel industry, the decision highlights the sensitivity of airline capacity to regulatory costs and the potential impact on inbound tourism, city breaks and price-driven travel demand.

Reduced flight availability may also influence pricing dynamics and accessibility, especially during the winter season, when airlines typically optimise networks based on profitability.

Operational changes and workforce implications

Ryanair has informed its Berlin-based pilots and cabin crew about the planned closure, with staff consultations set to begin shortly. Employees will be offered opportunities to transfer within the airline’s European network as capacity shifts to other markets.

Relevance for the travel industry

The development underscores a broader trend in European aviation: airlines are increasingly allocating capacity to markets with lower operating costs and stronger growth incentives. For destinations, competitive fee structures and supportive aviation policies are becoming critical factors in maintaining air connectivity and sustaining tourism demand.