Ryanair's CEO Critiques German Government's Aviation Policies

The CEO of Ryanair has expressed significant frustration with the German government, criticizing the nation's aviation policies and their impact on the airline industry. In a recent interview, the CEO highlighted that Germany is lagging behind other European nations in terms of air traffic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data from the German Air Transport Association, the seating capacity at German airports was only at 79% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, while other European countries achieved figures as high as 96%.

One major concern raised by the airline industry is the increasing operational costs in Germany, which are reportedly higher than in many other European countries. This includes various taxes and fees such as the air traffic tax and security charges, which are seen as detrimental to the attractiveness of German airports for budget airlines. Ryanair, along with other carriers like Eurowings and Condor, announced plans to reduce their service offerings at Hamburg Airport until the summer of 2025 due to these financial pressures.

In the interview, the Ryanair CEO criticized the government's inaction, claiming that he had previously presented a plan to a government official that included reducing taxes and fees in exchange for a commitment to double Ryanair's flight offerings in Germany over the next seven years. He expressed disappointment at not receiving a response to this proposal.

Furthermore, he remarked that ticket prices in Germany have increased at a faster rate than in any other market, attributing this to the elevated operational costs. He warned that unless changes are made, Germany risks becoming an unattractive market for airlines, potentially leading to a significant reduction in flight operations.

The Ryanair CEO emphasized the need for a government that prioritizes growth, stating that the current approach is no longer viable. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among airline executives regarding the challenges faced in the German aviation sector.

In related developments, Lufthansa has also communicated its concerns to Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the competitive landscape of European aviation. The airline emphasized that jobs and economic value are at risk as operations may shift to countries with lower operational standards and costs.

Lufthansa's board has outlined several key requests, including a reduction in bureaucracy, a reassessment of climate policies, and a reconsideration of the air transport agreement between the EU and Qatar. The letter highlights the urgent need for measures to enhance the competitiveness of the European aviation market.

The airline industry in Germany is facing significant challenges, compounded by recent increases in the air traffic tax and other operational fees, which are expected to rise further in the coming year. As a result of these pressures, German air carriers are advocating for a more favorable regulatory environment to ensure their sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.

Overall, the current situation in the German aviation industry underscores the need for collaborative efforts between airlines and government entities to address the pressing issues affecting the sector, particularly as it seeks to recover from the pandemic and adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape.