Finance
Ryanair to Relocate Berlin-Based Jets, Reduce Flights by 50%
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 24, 2026
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Ryanair announced on April 24 that it will close its Berlin base and cut flights to/from the capital by 50% in its winter schedule, relocating all seven local aircraft to lower‑cost European airports. The airline cites high German fees and taxes despite planned reductions starting July 1.
Ryanair to Move Berlin Jets and Halve Flights Over Rising Costs in Germany
Ryanair Announces Berlin Base Closure and Flight Reductions
Details of Ryanair's Decision
BERLIN, April 24 (Reuters) - Low-cost carrier Ryanair announced on Friday that it will close its operating base in Berlin and reduce its flights to and from Germany's capital by 50% in its winter schedule, citing higher fees and taxes.
All seven Berlin-based aircraft will be relocated to lower-cost airports in other European countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania and Italy, the Ireland-based company said in a statement.
Impact on Employees
• Berlin-based pilots and cabin crew received notification on Friday of the intended base closure from October 24, according to the statement.
• "All flight crew can secure alternative positions elsewhere in the Ryanair network across Europe," Ryanair said.
Criticism of German Aviation Costs
• Ryanair has repeatedly criticised Germany and its airports for the level of fees and taxes.
• International airlines have long complained that flying to and from German airports was too expensive and have threatened to reduce their presence.
Government Response
• Germany's government approved plans on April 1 to reduce air traffic tax from July, taking it back down to May 2024 levels in an attempt to boost the sector.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Klaus Lauer and Thomas SeythalEditing by Miranda Murray)
Key Takeaways
- •All seven Berlin‑based jets will be moved to more cost‑competitive airports in countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy, as Ryanair struggles with Germany’s elevated aviation fees and taxes. (bloomberg.com)
- •Ryanair’s staff in Berlin were informed on April 24 that the base will close effective October 24, though affected crew can apply for other positions within the Ryanair network. (bloomberg.com)
- •Germany’s government approved an air‑traffic tax reduction effective July 1—returning rates to pre‑May 2024 levels—but industry groups say this move falls short and German air‑travel remains priced well above the EU average. (cleanenergywire.org)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Ryanair to relocate Berlin-based jets, reduce flights by 50%
1Why is Ryanair closing its Berlin base?
Ryanair is closing its Berlin base due to higher airport fees and taxes in Germany.
2How many Ryanair flights to Berlin will be affected?
Ryanair will reduce its flights to and from Berlin by 50% in its winter schedule.
3Where will the Berlin-based Ryanair aircraft be relocated?
The aircraft will be relocated to other European countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy.
4What will happen to Ryanair's Berlin flight crew?
Berlin-based pilots and cabin crew can secure alternative positions elsewhere in the Ryanair network.
5Has the German government taken any action about air traffic taxes?
Germany’s government approved plans to reduce air traffic tax from July to boost the sector.
