Ryanair Urges New German Transport Minister to Abolish Air Traffic Tax

Germany

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, has welcomed Patrick Schnieder as Germany’s new Federal Transport Minister and called on the government to prioritize the abolition of the air traffic tax.

The airline argues that cutting the tax and halving air navigation and security fees are essential to revive Germany’s struggling aviation market.

If the government implements these measures, Ryanair plans to invest $3 billion in new, more efficient aircraft stationed in Germany, create over 1,000 jobs, introduce new European routes, and double passenger numbers to 34 million annually.

Germany's aviation market currently lags behind other EU countries due to high costs, including air traffic tax, navigation, security, and airport fees. While the new government's plan to reduce air traffic tax increases is a step in the right direction, Ryanair insists it is insufficient to make Germany competitive with other EU nations that have abolished such taxes.

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson stated:

"We support the appointment of Patrick Schnieder and urge him to eliminate the damaging air traffic tax. If the minister cuts the tax and halves navigation and security fees, Ryanair will more than double passenger traffic in Germany, invest $3 billion in new aircraft, and create 1,000 jobs – similar to successful strategies in other European countries."

Wilson emphasized that removing the air traffic tax is the only way to make the German aviation market competitive again, citing positive examples from Sweden, Hungary, and parts of Italy.