Aviation News – Ryanair has announced the closure of its base at Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport (BER), effective October 24, 2026. The move comes as the budget carrier shifts its operations away from high-cost German hubs toward European markets with more favorable tax environments.
The decision involves the relocation of seven aircraft currently stationed at the German capital. These assets will move to bases in countries such as Sweden, Italy, Albania, and Slovakia, where governments have recently lowered taxes and airport charges to attract air traffic. This exit marks a significant shift in the airline’s strategy, prioritizing markets that offer lower overhead to maintain its low-fare business model.
During a press conference in Berlin, CEO Eddie Wilson and CCO Jason McGuiness identified escalating costs at BER as the primary driver for the withdrawal. The “last straw” for the Irish carrier was a projected 10% increase in airport fees scheduled for the 2027-2029 period. Ryanair leadership argues that these price hikes make it impossible to sustain profitable operations while keeping ticket prices competitive for travelers.
The technical impact of this closure is substantial, as it significantly reduces direct connectivity from Berlin to various European destinations. By removing the seven based aircraft, the airline reduces its local maintenance footprint and staffing requirements at BER. This operational pivot allows Ryanair to maximize its utilization rates in regions with lower “per-passenger” costs, ensuring that its fleet remains active in the most economically efficient corridors.