Ryanair to Cut 24 Routes in Germany and Reduce Capacity in 2026
Ryanair, the prominent European budget airline, has announced substantial route cuts for 2026, affecting several countries including Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, and Portugal. This decision is set to reduce overall capacity by approximately three million seats, impacting numerous smaller cities and regional airports.
Significant Reductions in Germany
In an official statement released in October 2025, Ryanair confirmed the elimination of **24 routes** to and from Germany for the winter 2025/2026 schedule. This reduction translates to a loss of nearly **800,000 seats**. Affected airports include major cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, and Frankfurt-Hahn, with operations at Leipzig, Dresden, and Dortmund slated to remain suspended throughout 2026.
Ryanair’s CEO, **Michael O’Leary**, criticized the German government for increasing air traffic control fees and aviation taxes, claiming these costs hinder the airline’s competitiveness. He pointed out that Germany’s air traffic market is lagging at just **88 percent** of pre-COVID levels, in stark contrast to countries like Ireland and Spain, which have lower or no aviation taxes.
Impact on Spanish Routes
The airline is also cutting flights to Spain, with an anticipated reduction of **1.2 million seats** for the summer 2026 schedule. Key routes such as those to Asturias and Vigo will be ceased, alongside the closure of the base at Santiago de Compostela. Ryanair has cited ongoing disputes with **Aena**, the Spanish airport operator, over rising taxes and fees as a primary reason for these cuts.
The airline has expressed concerns that regional Spanish airports are becoming less competitive compared to cheaper alternatives in Morocco and Italy. As a result, Ryanair is shifting capacity to larger Spanish airports where demand and ticket prices are higher.
Route Changes in France, Belgium, and Portugal
France will also see a reduction in Ryanair’s services, with **25 routes** and **750,000 seats** cut in the winter 2025 schedule. Notably, flights to Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg have been halted due to increased airline taxes. Although Ryanair is set to resume flights to Bergerac in summer 2026, the possibility of further cancellations remains.
In Belgium, Ryanair plans to remove **20 routes** and **one million seats** from its winter 2026/27 schedule, largely due to a newly imposed aviation tax set to double charges to **€10** per passenger. This significant reduction represents about **22 percent** of Ryanair’s capacity in the country.
Portugal is not exempt from these changes, as Ryanair will cut **six routes** to and from the Azores starting in March 2026, affecting around **400,000 passengers** annually. The airline attributes these cuts to rising air traffic control fees and new travel taxes, which they argue are detrimental to low-cost connectivity.
Adjustments in Bosnia and Serbia
Additionally, Ryanair is set to reduce its operations in Bosnia and Serbia in summer 2026, reallocating resources to markets with stronger demand. This includes halving weekly flights from Banja Luka and reducing services in Niš.
Ryanair’s strategic adjustments across these regions highlight the ongoing challenges facing low-cost airlines in the current economic landscape. The company’s leadership has signalled a willingness to reassess capacity if governmental policies improve, particularly regarding aviation fees and regulations.
