Ryanair has announced a significant reduction in its operations in Germany, closing its operating base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. This base closure, scheduled for October 24, 2026, will see the airline shut down its seven-aircraft operations. This decision will have a substantial impact on flight availability, particularly affecting services between Berlin and several key UK airports.
Impact on UK Flights
The closure of Ryanair’s base in Berlin means that winter capacity on routes to and from the German capital is expected to decrease by 50%. Notably, services connecting Berlin with cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are at risk of disruption.
- Journey times on these routes are around two hours.
- Ryanair’s Berlin passenger numbers are projected to drop from 4.5 million to 2.2 million by 2027.
- Over two million seats annually will be lost as a result of this closure.
Reasons Behind the Closure
Ryanair cited increasing airport charges and aviation taxes in Germany as key factors driving this decision. The latest 10% fee increase at Berlin Airport is seen as unsustainable for the airline’s operations.
Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair DAC, stated, “We regret to announce this planned closure… but we have no alternative.” He highlighted that the airport fees have surged by 50% since 2019 and attributed this increase to a decline in traffic due to high costs.
Future Operations and Staffing
Despite the base closure, Ryanair will continue its service to Berlin using aircraft stationed in other European countries, including Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy.
Ryanair has indicated that consultations with pilots and cabin crew based in Berlin will start soon. Those affected will have the opportunity to apply for roles within the airline’s broader European network.
Outlook for German Aviation
Wilson emphasized that further cuts in German operations may be unavoidable without significant reforms to reduce aviation costs. He called attention to the need for competitive airport fees to ensure long-term growth and connectivity in the region.
