Ryanair plans to close its Berlin base and halve its winter schedule due to rising domestic air taxes. This will reduce annual passenger numbers from 4.5 million to 2.2 million, as seven aircraft are relocated to other locations. From October, flights to and from Berlin will be operated by aircraft based elsewhere, with staff offered transfers to European sites.
CEO Eddie Wilson highlighted the uncompetitive nature of German airlines, pointing to previous base closures in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Stuttgart, totaling a loss of 13 aircraft. German trade union Verdi criticized the move as profit-driven, asserting that employees are being treated as disposable.
The airline industry faces turmoil amid soaring jet fuel prices, exacerbated by the Gulf War. Ryanair may need to cancel up to 10% of its late summer flights due to fuel shortages. In contrast, environmentalists suggest that Ryanair’s exit could boost the rail sector’s competitiveness. Improvements in train reliability and pricing are needed to capitalize on this opportunity, particularly given Berlin’s connectivity to various European cities.
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