Ryanair cuts flights in Europe due to rising airport charges: which destinations are affected

Ryanair has announced a large-scale reduction in routes in a number of European countries due to increases in airport charges and taxes. Find out which countries have been most affected, how this will impact travel, and why the carrier is blaming governments for slowing down the recovery of tourism

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Irish low-cost airline Ryanair has announced cuts to routes in a number of popular European destinations. The main reason is rising airport costs, including increases in airport charges, aviation taxes, and flight service costs.

According to dublinlive.ie, the cuts will affect the 2025 winter season and will impact Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Spain, and Italy (Rome). The company notes that travel is becoming more expensive not because of fuel costs or staff salaries, but because of “excessive” airport charges, which are hampering the development of the aviation industry in Europe.

In which countries is Ryanair cutting flights?

Germany

In Germany, Ryanair is reducing capacity by more than 800,000 seats and canceling 24 routes through nine airports, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Memmingen.

The airports in Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig will remain closed to the company's flights. As a result, Ryanair's winter capacity in Germany will be lower than in 2024.

The company's marketing director, Dara Brady, stressed that the air transport market in Germany is “ruined by excessive taxes and fees.” According to her, the country's passenger traffic has recovered to only 88% of its pre-pandemic level, which is the worst indicator among the major European markets.

Latvia

Ryanair's winter schedule in Riga is being reduced by 20%, or 160,000 seats. Seven international destinations have been canceled — Aarhus, Berlin, Edinburgh, Gdansk, Gothenburg, Memmingen, and Paris (Beauvais).

Jason McGuinness, Ryanair's marketing director, pointed out that Riga Airport has increased its access fees by 15% since 2021, making it less competitive. Passenger traffic is still 10% below pre-crisis levels.

Lithuania

Ryanair does not plan to grow in Lithuania in the 2025 winter season. The reason is a significant increase in the cost of services at national airports.

In particular, fees have increased by 30% in Vilnius and 7% in Palanga. Despite the opening of an expanded terminal in Vilnius, which could double passenger traffic, the company notes that such high costs are hindering the recovery of tourism and economic growth.

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Estonia

In Estonia, Ryanair has reduced its capacity by 40%, which means the loss of about 110,000 seats and five international routes (Milan, Paphos, Rome, Venice, Vienna).

The company had previously announced a 45% reduction in capacity for the summer, meaning that Estonia will lose a total of more than 340,000 Ryanair seats over the course of the year.

Tallinn Airport has increased its fees by 70%, which, according to the carrier, “undermines the development of tourism and job creation.”

Spain

Ryanair is also cutting 1.2 million seats at regional airports in Spain for the 2026 summer season and completely discontinuing flights to/from Asturias Airport.

CEO Michael O'Leary has sharply criticized the Spanish government and AENA, which, instead of reducing fees, plan to increase them by 7% — the largest increase in the last decade. According to Ryanair's management, this makes regional airports uncompetitive.

Italy (Rome)

Ryanair is reducing the number of aircraft based in Rome from 17 to 16. Passenger traffic will not grow at all in the 2025 winter season.

Michael O'Leary explained this by the “excessive costs of access” to Rome's airports — Ciampino and Fiumicino, where fees have risen by 44% and 15% respectively. An additional factor was the introduction of a municipal tax and restrictions on the number of flights.

What does this mean for travelers?

Ryanair's route reductions may affect the cost of flights and the availability of budget destinations in Europe. Tourists are advised to plan their trips in advance, as the number of flights during the winter period will be limited.

We remind you that it is convenient to check the availability of tickets for all types of transport — planes, buses, and trains — through the Visit Ukraine booking system, which helps you quickly compare prices and find the most advantageous route for traveling in Europe or Ukraine.

The large-scale reduction of Ryanair routes is a serious signal for European markets. Increasing airport fees without state support could lead to job losses, a decrease in tourist traffic, and a weakening of the competitiveness of regional airports.

We remind you! The launch of the Entry-Exit System (EES) on October 12 was the most significant change at the EU borders in recent years. The new rules are designed to improve security and migration control, but the first few days turned into chaos — especially for Ukrainians crossing the border with Poland. Queues, glitches, and unprepared infrastructure showed that the system needs refinement. Read how the EES works now and what travelers can expect.

Photo: Ryanair.com

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