Ryanair is set to shut down its base in Berlin at the end of the IATA summer season, moving its seven based aircraft to other bases. The airline will still fly to Berlin but from its other bases across Europe.
The decision comes after the airport's plan to raise fees by 10% starting in 2027 was announced. Ryanair has blasted the 'unjustified' hike in fees, choosing instead to deploy its aircraft elsewhere.
The budget carrier's business model is based on minimizing costs, and an increase in mandatory airport charges will force the carrier to hike up its ticket fares.
This will not be welcomed by Ryanair's cost-conscious customers, who are already sensitive to price changes.
Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson stated that the airline will still serve Berlin but on a/c based outside Germany and its Berlin traffic will fall by 50% from 4.5m to 2.2m pax in 2027.
The airport's charges have increased by 50% since 2019, with some charges set to increase further in the coming years.
Ryanair has listed some of the charges that have increased and will increase, including aviation tax, security fee, and ATC fee.
The airline has also noted that passenger numbers have decreased by almost 30% during this period.
The decision highlights the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in dealing with rising airport charges.
