Irish ultra low-cost carrier Ryanair has announced substantial reductions in its European flight operations and discontinuation of certain routes to key destinations in 2025, due to escalating airport fees, increased government taxes and surcharges it would need to pay.
The low-cost carrier has revealed plans to close multiple bases and reduce flight frequencies to Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. According to the carrier, these adjustments arise from surging operational expenses that hinder Ryanair’s ability to sustain its low fare offerings. As a result, Ryandair customers may encounter a decrease in available flight options this year and possible increase in airfares in the near future.
Earlier this month, Ryanair also announced its intention to eliminate paper boarding passes, opting for digital check-in procedures instead, triggering heavy criticism from the customers.
The impending changes restricting affordable alternatives will most likely affect millions of air travelers, though it is not clear whether these schedule cuts and fare increases will be permanent or if they are part of the carrier’s broader negotiation strategy.
Last month, Ryanair announced its decision to withdraw one of its aircraft stationed in Rome at Fiumicino Airport, the largest in Italy, for the summer of 2025. The airline indicated that this action would result in no expansion for Rome, despite the ongoing Jubilee celebrations. The airline attributed this development to municipal surcharges imposed at major Italian airports, effective April 1, 2025.
Ryanair has also discontinued all flights to and from Aalborg, Denmark following the introduction of new Danish aviation taxes. The new tax, set at 50DKK ($7.04), will be applicable to all passengers departing from Denmark and will be absorbed by airlines. Consequently, starting next month, all flights from London Stansted to Aalborg will be canceled. However, other airlines, including KLM, Norwegian Air, and Scandinavian Airlines, will continue to operate flights from the UK to Aalborg, although passengers will need to take connecting flights to reach their destination.
In Austria, Ryanair criticized new steep €12 ($12.60) air traffic tax, along with the country’s significantly high airport and security fees, stating that it undermines Austria’s appeal as a tourist destination in comparison to lower-cost EU nations such as Sweden, Hungary, and certain regions of Italy, all of which are eliminating aviation taxes and lowering access costs to foster traffic and tourism growth.
In Spain, Irish budget carrier has announced that it is slashing its Spanish summer 2025 traffic by 18% with the loss of -800,000 seats, and 12 routes. Accoring to airline, it would close its Jerez and Valladolid operations, remove one based aircraft from Santiago, and will cut traffic at five other regional airports – Vigo (-61%), Santiago (-28%), Zaragoza (-20%), Asturias (-11%) and Santander (-5%) in summer of 2025.
France’s aviation tax is projected to more than double by 2025, a move that appears to have garnered support from Minister of Public Accounts Amélie de Montchalin. She stated, “This initiative reflects a commitment to fiscal and ecological equity,” noting that the wealthiest 20 percent of the population accounts for over half of air travel expenditures. This development may prompt Ryanair to scale back its routes within the country. Asccording to some reports, the airline has already shuttered its Bordeaux base last year and has withdrawn from operating flights to Paris.