Ryanair has announced the closure of its base at Berlin Airport, effective October 24, 2026, leading to a 50% reduction in flights from the German capital. The airline operates seven aircraft at this base, which will be reallocated to lower-cost airports in countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy, where aviation taxes have been abolished. This decision comes as Berlin Airport's fees have surged by 50% since the COVID-19 pandemic, with further increases expected. Additionally, Germany's aviation tax has more than doubled since 2019, contributing to the airline's operational challenges. Ryanair estimates that its passenger traffic in Berlin will plummet from 4.5 million in 2019 to 2.2 million by 2027, resulting in a loss of over two million seats annually. Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson criticized the high costs in Germany, stating that the government's failure to address these issues has forced the airline to shift operations to more competitive markets. Affected pilots and cabin crew have been informed and will have opportunities to apply for positions in other parts of Ryanair's European network.