Ryanair raises the alarm: NRW airport named as the largest loser

ryanair expects airport in NRW from

The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair recently made it clear that it is dissatisfied with the German airports, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). In its current traffic update, an airport in North Rhine -Westphalia is referred to as the "largest loser". Ryanair primarily criticizes the high operating costs at German airports, which are considered the highest in Europe. These financial burdens have already caused the airline to shorten its offer in several cities, including Dortmund.

In the message, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson expressed that the German air traffic market was still the worst in Europe. The assessment refers to the airports in Berlin, Cologne and Dresden, all of which are fighting with a significant decline in passenger volume. According to Ryanair, these airports only reach 82 % of their traffic levels before Covid-19 pandemic.

Dortmund Airport as a painful loss

The loss of Ryanair at Dortmund Airport has a significant impact, since the airline previously issued around 16 percent of the total volume there. The reduction of the offer comprises seven goals that were operated from Dortmund. This development shows the precarious situation in which there are many regional airports in Germany, especially in times when economic growth and increasing demand for travel are the focus.

claim for tax reform

The Federal Government has now asked

Wilson to abolish the high taxes and fees, which in his opinion impair the competitiveness of German aviation. He makes a clear comparison to other European countries in which these financial hurdles were reduced, which has led to an upswing in air traffic. This criticism is in the context of the coalition agreement, in which the Federal Government has carried out to improve the international connectivity of German airports and reduce relevant taxes.

Potentials and challenges of air traffic in Germany

Despite the challenges with which Ryanair and other airlines are confronted, the European market shows overall signs of growth and relaxation. In order to promote this positive development in Germany, it is essential to tackle the structural problems at the airports. The adaptation of taxes and fees could make a significant contribution to increasing the passenger volume and making the air traffic location Germany more competitive again.