Ryanair Cuts Routes as Berlin Airport Faces Passenger Decline

Ryanair is cutting flights across several European markets, including a major reduction at Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany, after citing high operating costs. The changes will remove routes and reduce capacity as the airline adjusts its 2026 schedule.

According to Simple Flying, Ryanair plans to end service to 13 destinations by the end of 2026, including Vigo, Amman, Asturias, Clermont-Ferrand, Ponta Delgada, Terceira, Rodez, Bodrum, Dalaman, Kalamata, Niš, and Volos. The airline also announced its Berlin base closure, reducing flights from the German capital.

Ryanair said its decision to leave some markets was linked to rising airport expenses and government charges.

"to excessive access costs (air traffic control fees, security fees, and high airport charges) combined with the federal government's exorbitant air passenger duty" said Ryanair.

At Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the reduction will involve seven aircraft and their crews, with Ryanair expected to cut around half of its previous offering. Airport chief executive Aletta von Massenbach said passenger forecasts were lowered because of the capacity loss.

"This is a heavy blow," said Aletta von Massenbach, airport chief executive.

Von Massenbach said Berlin Brandenburg Airport expects 25.7 million passengers in 2026, compared with 26.1 million the previous year. She described the decline linked to the airline reduction as the "Ryanair effect."

"Ryanair effect" said Aletta von Massenbach, airport chief executive.

The airport chief also said the facility expects further passenger declines in 2027, with forecasts of 25 million to 25.2 million passengers instead of an earlier projection of up to 27 million.

"frustration" said Aletta von Massenbach, airport chief executive.

Von Massenbach said she understood the concern over Germany's aviation costs and connected Ryanair's criticism to wider national issues.

"Everything they say against BER, they say against Germany" said Aletta von Massenbach, airport chief executive.

Ryanair's reductions also affect winter tourism routes, including connections between Berlin and Gran Canaria, with reports from Maspalomas24h noting the loss of planned capacity for the Canary Islands market.

The airline's scheduled departure from Bremen, Germany, is also set for March 27, 2027, after Ryanair announced it would end operations there due to costs including airport charges, security fees, and air passenger duty.