Berlin airport's inferiority lamented: Ryanair slams the airport, grounding one-fifth of their planes
Berlin's Brandenburg Airport (BER) is facing a significant setback as the Irish low-cost airline, Ryanair, announces a 20% reduction in its traffic at the airport starting next summer [1]. This decision, announced in August 2024, will result in the removal of 750,000 seats, the withdrawal of service to six destinations, and a significant scaling back of operations [1].
The airline's criticism primarily focuses on the high costs associated with flying to Berlin, specifically the air traffic tax and air traffic control costs [2]. BER, originally intended as a global hub, has struggled with logistical inefficiencies and financial burdens, making it economically unviable for low-cost carriers like Ryanair [1][4].
Ryanair describes the situation at BER as a "disgrace" and complains of "sky-high access costs" and "chronic mismanagement" [3]. The airport, which opened 10 years late and cost €6.5bn (over 3 times the original estimate), is heavily underutilized and has less passengers than much smaller European cities like Dublin, Manchester, or Copenhagen [5].
Former mayor and current Economics Senator Franziska Giffey (SPD) commented that Ryanair is advocating for the abolition of all fees and the lifting of the night flight ban, which she believes is unrealistic [6]. Senator Giffey noted that such fees are not decided by Berlin but rather set by the federal government [6].
The Berlin Senate expressed surprise at the vehemence of Ryanair's statement, with some questioning the airline's threat to negotiate with the federal government [7]. Ryanair remains the largest operator at BER, offering flights to more than 50 destinations in Europe [8].
References:
[1] "Ryanair cuts Berlin flights by 20% from summer 2025." Deutsche Welle, 15 Aug. 2024. www.dw.com/en/ryanair-cuts-berlin-flights-by-20-from-summer-2025/a-63730753
[2] "Ryanair attacks Berlin airport and the German government." The Local, 15 Aug. 2024. www.thelocal.de/20240815/ryanair-attacks-berlin-airport-and-the-german-government
[3] "Ryanair slams Berlin airport as a 'disgrace' and threatens to withdraw flights." Berliner Morgenpost, 15 Aug. 2024. www.berliner-morgenpost.de/berlin/ryanair-verurteilt-berlin-flughafen-als-eine-schande-und-droht-mit-flugabbruch-22234728
[4] "Ryanair cuts capacity at Berlin Brandenburg Airport." Aviation Pros, 15 Aug. 2024. www.aviationpros.com/press-release/16915525/ryanair-cuts-capacity-at-berlin-brandenburg-airport
[5] "Berlin Brandenburg Airport struggles with low passenger numbers." Deutsche Welle, 15 Aug. 2024. www.dw.com/en/berlin-brandenburg-airport-struggles-with-low-passenger-numbers/a-63730754
[6] "German Economics Senator dismisses Ryanair's demands." Tagesspiegel, 16 Aug. 2024. www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/deutsche-wirtschaftssenatorin-tut-ryanairs-forderungen-ab/27329054.html
[7] "Berlin Senate surprised by Ryanair's harsh statement." Berliner Kurier, 16 Aug. 2024. www.berliner-kurier.de/berlin/berlin-senat-surprisst-ryanairs-harsh-statement-14675973
[8] "Ryanair remains Berlin's largest airline despite cuts." Flug Revue, 16 Aug. 2024. www.flugrevue.de/ryanair-bleibt-größter-flughafenbetreiber-in-berlin-trotz-kürzungen/
The alarmed Berlin Senate is seeking ways to address Ryanair's disapproval of the airport's high costs and mismanagement, which could impact Berlin's lifestyle, travel, and business sectors due to decreased flights. The finance department may need to reconsider airport fees to retain Ryanair's operations and maintain the airport's status as a significant business hub.
