Tourexpi
Ryanair,
Europe’s No. 1 airline, today (Thursday, 24 July) called on the new coalition
government to abolish Germany’s damaging air travel tax in the upcoming 2026
federal budget. While the government’s commitment to lowering the tax is a step
in the right direction, Ryanair argues it is not enough to rescue Germany’s
struggling aviation market, which remains at just 87% of its pre-COVID
levels—well behind the rest of Europe.
According
to Ryanair, the only way for Germany to fully recover lost passenger volumes is
by eliminating the air travel tax—one of the highest in Europe—and reducing
access charges, enabling Germany to compete with other EU countries such as
Sweden, Hungary, and regional Italy, which have already abolished such taxes to
stimulate aviation growth.
If
the new government under Chancellor Merz abolishes the air travel tax and
reduces air traffic control and security fees, Ryanair pledges to invest $3
billion in new aircraft, create over 1,000 new jobs, open new routes, and more
than double its passenger traffic in Germany to 34 million per year.
However,
if the government fails to eliminate the air travel tax and lower inflated
access charges—contrary to the actions of more growth-oriented EU
governments—airfares for German passengers and visitors will continue to rise,
and Ryanair will further reduce its flight schedules in Germany.
Ryanair
CEO Eddie Wilson stated:
“Germany’s
aviation market is in freefall and will continue to lag behind the rest of
Europe unless the new coalition government abolishes its damaging air travel
tax in the 2026 budget. A partial reduction is welcome but falls far short.
Germany must follow the example of other EU countries such as Sweden, Hungary,
and regional Italy, which have scrapped these taxes to encourage growth.
If
the air travel tax is abolished and access charges such as air traffic and
security fees are reduced, Ryanair will invest $3 billion in new aircraft,
create over 1,000 jobs, launch new routes, and more than double our German
passenger numbers to 34 million annually.
But
if the new government fails to seize this growth opportunity, Ryanair will have
no choice but to continue reducing its operations in Germany. The country has
become so unattractive that growth and investment are shifting to lower-cost,
tax-relieving competitor states elsewhere in Europe.”
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News

Travel technology at ITB Berlin 2026: AI and global innovation reshape the industry
With six fully booked Travel Tech halls, strong international participation and a new Travel Tech Track in the convention programme, ITB Berlin 2026 underscores its role as the world’s leading platform for travel technology and digital transformati
Read the News

Türkiye’s airline fleets expand significantly over five years
Driven by rising passenger demand and major airport investments, Türkiye’s airlines have expanded their fleets sharply since 2021, with Turkish Airlines accounting for the largest share at the end of 2025
Read the News

Emirates extends Chauffeur-Drive service in Japan to Narita and Kansai
Premium ground service now available at three major Japanese airports from February and March 2026
Read the News

Moxy Hotels brings a playful twist to the New Year with Sweet Moxy Fest
Limited-edition candy cocktails and interactive lobby experiences roll out across 10 Moxy Hotels in China
Read the News

DRV welcomes National Tourism Strategy as a clear signal for the travel industry
German cabinet sets priorities on competitiveness, cutting red tape and sustainable development
Read the News

Celebrity River Cruises announces 10 additional ships and opens 2028 Europe season
With an order for ten new vessels and the opening of bookings for its 2028 European season, Celebrity River Cruises is significantly accelerating its expansion on Europe’s rivers
Read the News

Air India expands single-aisle fleet with order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets
By ordering 30 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Air India is accelerating the modernisation of its fleet and reinforcing its growth strategy in India’s rapidly expanding domestic and regional aviation market
Read the News

Hurghada: TUI Care Foundation supports Maaza Bedouin community through cultural tourism
With a new cultural tourism initiative in Hurghada, the TUI Care Foundation is strengthening the visibility, livelihoods and cultural heritage of Egypt’s Maaza Bedouin community while creating authentic experiences for visitors to the Red Sea desti
Read the News

TAT launches ‘Feel All The Feelings’ campaign with LISA as Amazing Thailand Ambassador
With a new TV commercial featuring Lalisa “LISA” Manobal, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is strengthening its Trusted Thailand strategy and positioning the country as a high-quality destination through emotion-led storytelling
Read the News

China advises citizens to avoid travel to Japan
Beijing cites security concerns and earthquake risks as tensions with Tokyo remain high
Read the News

Four Seasons marks 65 years with focus on disciplined global growth
Anniversary year highlights expansion in key markets, residential strength and the debut of Four Seasons Yachts
Read the News

Spain presents Tourism 2030 Strategy at FITUR and strengthens global tourism governance
At FITUR 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism outlines strategic priorities for the decade ahead, relaunches social dialogue in hospitality and confirms the opening date of the Parador de Ibiza
Read the News

Emirates and Air Peace activate bilateral interline agreement
Enhanced partnership expands seamless connectivity between Africa, the UAE and London
Read the News

Shiso City unveils new sustainable experiences rooted in forests, fermentation and heritage railways
Located near Kyoto and Osaka, the forest-rich city in Hyogo Prefecture positions itself as an emerging destination for nature-based and culturally grounded travel
Read the News

Diamond Princess expands culinary offering with two new specialty restaurants
Makoto Ocean and the Crown Grill debut for the 2026 Asia and Japan season, further enhancing Princess Cruises’ dining experience at sea
Read the News

Germany issues travel alert for the United States after Minneapolis shooting
Foreign Ministry urges vigilance following violent confrontations during protests in several U.S. cities
Read the News

Eurowings expands services and routes in early 2026
Fast onboard internet, a top employer award, flexible flight vouchers and a new summer route from Graz underline Eurowings’ focus on connectivity and quality
Read the News

ITB Berlin 2026 launches ITB Navigator for matchmaking and show preparation
New digital platform supports networking, appointment planning and information access ahead of ITB Berlin from 3 to 5 March 2026
Read the News

Marella Cruises reveals headline acts for 30th Birthday sailings in May 2026
Live performances and celebrity Q&A sessions will mark three decades of Marella Cruises with celebratory voyages across the fleet
Read the News

Oceania Cruises marks America’s 250th anniversary with distinctive Alaska and New England voyages
Luxury cruise line unveils 19 journeys in 2026 combining heritage, landscapes and destination-focused culinary experiences
Read the News

Condor launches daily Frankfurt–Cairo service from May 2026
New route strengthens Condor’s international network and expands access to a key market in North Africa
