Germany Eyes Aviation Tax Cut as Ryanair Expands Summer Plans

Ryanair has welcomed a move by Germany’s CDU (Christian Democratic Union) party supporting the removal of the country’s aviation tax, saying lower operating costs could help restore airline growth and attract more visitors. The proposal comes amid ongoing debate over why flight capacity in Germany has recovered more slowly than in several neighbouring European markets where airport charges remain lower.

The party’s decision recognises how airport taxes and fees influence route planning. Following earlier signals about reducing aviation tax and freezing air navigation charges, Ryanair confirmed it had already added more than 300,000 seats and eleven new routes in Germany for Summer 2026. The airline says these additions reflect how quickly carriers respond when costs begin to ease.

Ryanair argues that deeper reforms could bring broader expansion across the country. The airline says removing the aviation tax completely, alongside lower aviation and airport charges, would allow long-term growth beyond Germany’s largest hubs. Plans mentioned by the carrier include expanding operations at regional airports and restoring activity in locations that previously lost regular low-fare connections.

Regional Airports Back in Focus

• 11 new Ryanair routes planned for Summer 2026
• More than 300,000 extra seats already scheduled
• Growth expected at airports such as Bremen, Weeze and Memmingen
• Possible return of services in Dresden and Leipzig

Additional routes at regional airports could make direct travel easier without relying on transfers through Frankfurt or Munich. Smaller cities often regain short-haul European links when airline costs fall, helping both leisure travel and local business connections while spreading passenger traffic more evenly across the country.

The debate over aviation tax now moves beyond politics into practical travel choices. Airlines tend to expand where operating conditions remain predictable, and Germany may again become a stronger part of European route networks if reforms continue. More competition usually follows increased capacity, giving travellers wider schedules and more departure options across both major and regional airports.