Ryanair Cuts 800,000 Seats This Winter

Budget carrier Ryanair has announced it will slash more than 800,000 seats in its winter schedule across Germany, along with the cancellation of 24 routes at nine airports, attributing the move to “unacceptably high” access costs and aviation taxes.

According to the airline, this reduction is not due to weak demand but rather to what it describes as a non-competitive regulatory environment. The decision reflects the company’s view that the financial burden imposed by airports and air-traffic fees is making several destinations unviable.

For its Winter 2025 schedule in Germany, Ryanair plans to reduce capacity by over 800,000 seats and pull out of 24 routes operating from nine airports, including major hubs like Berlin and Hamburg. The carrier also says it will keep its bases at Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig closed for the season.

In its statement, the airline characterised the situation as “entirely avoidable”. It urged the German government to reform the high-access-cost structure, which it claims is damaging connectivity, tourism, and jobs.

Ryanair points to two core issues: elevated airport access fees and aviation taxes, which it believes curtail profitability and growth. In Germany, in particular, the airline cites a 24% increase in aviation tax introduced in May 2024 as part of the stimulus for its decision-making.

By contrast, Ryanair notes that other European jurisdictions are reducing or eliminating such fees to stimulate traffic and tourism, making Germany appear relatively unattractive on cost-competitiveness grounds. The carrier asserts that its high cost base forces it to redirect aircraft and capacity to markets with more favourable economics.

For travellers, the reductions mean fewer route options and less seat availability in Germany this winter. Some leisure and business routes may disappear entirely, especially in the affected airports. The airline warns that the capacity downturn may have a “devastating impact” on connectivity, employment, and the regional tourism economy.

For the named airports, the cuts may result in decreased traffic volumes, reduced slot usage, and a drop in associated ancillary revenue (such as ground services, retail, and catering). For airports already struggling to recover to pre-COVID levels, the announcement represents a serious challenge.

Ryanair has made clear that this reduction is a strategic reaction, not a demand-driven cost-cutting measure. It is signalling that if access costs remain uncompetitive, further capacity will be moved to lower-cost markets. For governments and airport operators, the message is unmistakable: to retain low-cost carrier services, the cost base must better align with that of other European destinations.

For travellers planning flights this winter, it may be wise to book early, as seat availability is likely to tighten in the affected markets. And if your destination appears in the list of the nine airports cited, you may want to monitor for possible route cancellations or schedule changes.