Ryanair ditches Berlin base, calling it ‘Europe’s most failing airport’ following traffic drop

Ryanair has announced it will shut down its Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) base, branding it ‘Europe’s most failing airport’ as the airline responds to falling passenger numbers and high rising operating costs in Germany.

The Irish low-cost carrier confirmed it will phase out its seven-aircraft Berlin base by October 2026, cutting around half of its capacity at the German capital. Ryanair will continue serving Berlin routes but will no longer station aircraft there, meaning fewer flights, reduced frequency, and less flexibility for travellers.

So why is Ryanair leaving its Berlin base?

The airline says the decision comes after a significant decline in demand and what it describes as ‘unsustainable airport fees and aviation taxes’. According to Ryanair, Berlin has seen passenger traffic fall by roughly a quarter compared with pre-pandemic levels, with  operating costs sharply rising within the same period. Germany’s aviation tax structure has been criticised by Ryanair saying the increased passenger charges and airport fees have made it one of Europe’s least competitive markets for low-cost flying. 

Airport fees and falling competitiveness in Germany

Berlin airport fees have risen by around 50% since 2019. With the additional higher taxes and the rise in fees, Ryanair argues that Germany is pricing out low-cost carriers and is forcing the move to other more competitive markets mainly in Southern and Eastern Europe. 

What does the move in reality mean for passengers and is Berlin really failing?

Passengers will still be able to fly to and from Berlin on Ryanair routes, just with fewer flight options with experts predicting higher fares. 

Berlin Brandenburg Airport has in fact rejected claims that it is failing, pointing instead to a gradual recovery in passenger numbers and ongoing discussions with airlines over fees and capacity.

The wider European plan for Ryanair

Ryanair’s move is part of a bigger strategy to reshuffle aircraft from high-cost bases like Germany into faster-growing, lower-cost markets across Europe. The airline has increasingly expanded in countries such as Italy, Sweden, and parts of Eastern Europe while cutting operations back in more expensive Western European hubs.