Ryanair plans to close its Berlin Brandenburg base by October 2026, leading to a 50% reduction in capacity and potential flight cuts across UK routes.
Travelers across the UK are facing uncertainty as Ryanair prepares to slash flights following the confirmed closure of its major base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The budget carrier announced that its seven-aircraft operation in the German capital will cease by October 24, 2026.
This strategic withdrawal is expected to cut the airline’s total seat capacity in Berlin by half, dropping annual passenger numbers from 4.5 million to roughly 2.2 million by 2027.
While the specific routes facing the axe remain unconfirmed, Misryoum understands that connections between Berlin and major UK hubs—including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh—are firmly in the line of fire.
This move signals a significant cooling of relations between the airline and German authorities, highlighting how rising operational costs can quickly trigger major network realignments for international carriers.
The airline plans to relocate its seven Berlin-based aircraft to other European nations, including Albania, Italy, Sweden, and Slovakia, where it cites lower operational costs.. Despite the base closure, Ryanair intends to continue serving the German capital, albeit with planes stationed outside the country.
Ryanair leadership has laid the blame squarely on what they describe as a broken aviation system in Germany.. They pointed to a cumulative 50% increase in airport fees since 2019, compounded by a further 10% hike, as the catalyst for the departure.. The company argued that these financial pressures, alongside aggressive aviation taxes, make maintaining a local base unfeasible.
Following the announcement, staff members based in Berlin, including pilots and cabin crew, have been notified of the changes. The airline stated that internal consultations are beginning, with efforts being made to offer displaced staff roles elsewhere within the broader European network.
Looking ahead, the airline has issued a stern warning that further reductions across Germany are inevitable unless the government implements meaningful cost reforms. The carrier maintains that high airport charges are stifling connectivity and economic growth in the region.
This development serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between airline profitability and airport competitiveness, proving that even a major capital city can lose significant air traffic when operators decide the price of admission is simply too high.