This site is also available on:
Deutsch
Ryanair plans to reduce flight capacity at Hamburg Airport by approximately 60 percent for the 2025 summer season. The Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) expressed concern, as high site costs are placing a significant burden on the aviation industry in Germany.
Ryanair: Significant reduction in flight capacity
Ryanair’s announcement to dramatically reduce its flight offerings in Hamburg highlights existing challenges. According to BARIG, costs for airlines at Hamburg and other German airports are already disproportionately high, with further increases planned for 2025. These measures increase the financial pressure on airlines, which could lead to responses such as capacity cuts.
Economic impacts and concerns
Michael Hoppe, chairman of BARIG, emphasized that the reduction in flight services is in neither the interest of the local economy nor of the citizens. Ryanair’s decision may not be the final restriction, as the rising fees represent an additional burden. According to Hoppe, the delayed recovery of German air traffic compared to other European nations demonstrates the detrimental effects of this fee policy.
Comparison with the European market
While air traffic has largely recovered in other European countries, Germany lags behind in comparison. The reasons for this are high airport charges, the air traffic tax, and the costs of aviation security. In other countries, air traffic is viewed as an economic driver and promoted accordingly, but this is apparently handled differently in Germany.
Appeal to politicians and airport operators
BARIG calls on politicians and airport operators to urgently take measures to provide financial relief. A reduction in fees and costs is necessary to strengthen Germany’s competitiveness. Hoppe emphasizes the importance of air transport as an economic driver and calls for a rethink to counteract declining economic trends.
The Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) represents the interests of over 100 international airlines in Germany. As the voice of the industry, the association is committed to promoting appropriate framework conditions and promoting the aviation industry to ensure growth and connectivity.
