Ryanair to close Berlin base as rising airport fees trigger 50% capacity cut

Ryanair has announced plans to close its seven-aircraft Berlin base on 24 October, reducing its flights to and from the city by around 50% in its winter schedule.

The airline has said all seven Berlin-based aircraft will be redeployed to lower-cost European airports, including destinations in countries that have abolished aviation taxes such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy.

It attributed the decision to rising costs at the German capital, where airport charges have increased by 50% since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a further 10% rise planned from 2027 to 2029. Ryanair also highlighted a significant decline in demand, with Berlin traffic falling from 36 million passengers in 2019 to 26 million in 2025.

The carrier criticised German aviation policy more broadly, citing increases in passenger taxes, security fees, and air traffic control charges.

Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson said: “We regret to announce this planned closure of our seven-aircraft Berlin base from 24 October 2026, but we have no alternative following the airport’s latest 10% fee increase.”

The airline confirmed staff consultations would begin shortly, with pilots and cabin crew offered roles elsewhere in its European network. Ryanair said its Berlin traffic would fall by 50% to around 2.2 million passengers in 2027.

Last month, dozens of passengers travelling with Ryanair were left behind at Lanzarote Airport after lengthy queues at border control prevented them from reaching their departure gate in time.