Ryanair to launch flights from Kassel to Spain and Italy in summer 2027

Germany

New routes to Palma de Mallorca and Lamezia Terme will expand international connectivity from northern Hesse as the airline calls for lower aviation costs in Germany

Ryanair has announced plans to begin operations at Kassel Airport in summer 2027, introducing two routes to popular Mediterranean destinations. The airline will connect the regional airport in northern Hesse with Palma de Mallorca in Spain and Lamezia Terme in southern Italy, expanding travel options for passengers in a region with relatively limited international air services.

The announcement, made on 4 November 2026, marks Kassel's addition to Ryanair's network of more than 218 airports. The new services will provide direct access to Mallorca and Calabria, two established European holiday destinations. They could also improve inbound connectivity for northern Hesse, potentially making the region more accessible to international visitors and supporting local tourism businesses.

The expansion comes amid Ryanair's continuing dispute with the German government over aviation taxes and airport-related charges. While the airline regards Kassel as an example of how competitive regional airports can attract new services, it argues that Germany's wider aviation cost structure discourages investment. Ryanair has linked its longer-term expansion plans in the country to substantial reductions in taxes and operating charges.

Two Mediterranean destinations from northern Hesse

The introduction of flights to Palma de Mallorca will provide travellers from Kassel and the surrounding region with a direct connection to one of Germany's most popular holiday destinations.

Mallorca attracts visitors throughout the year, although demand is particularly strong during the summer season. Beyond its established coastal resorts, the island offers hiking routes, mountain villages, cultural attractions and a growing range of active tourism experiences.

The second route will connect Kassel with Lamezia Terme in Calabria, southern Italy. The airport serves as an important gateway to the region's Tyrrhenian coastline, including destinations such as Tropea and Pizzo, as well as inland villages and mountainous landscapes.

For German holidaymakers, the new service could make Calabria more accessible without requiring connecting flights or longer journeys to other departure airports. The region combines Mediterranean beaches with historical towns, regional gastronomy and opportunities for independent touring.

Ryanair has not yet specified flight frequencies, operating days or exact launch dates for the two routes. These details will be important for tour operators and travel agents assessing potential holiday packages and travel combinations.

Regional airports remain central to Ryanair's strategy

By adding Kassel to its route network, Ryanair is continuing its selective expansion at German regional airports where operating conditions meet its commercial requirements.

The airline argues that lower airport charges can help stimulate passenger traffic, improve international accessibility and generate additional economic activity. Regional airports can also serve catchment areas that would otherwise depend on larger aviation hubs located farther away.

Marcel Pouchain Meyer, Ryanair's Head of Communications DACH, welcomed the development, saying the new routes would provide travellers in Kassel and northern Hesse with greater choice for summer holidays in Spain and Italy.

He also described Kassel as an example of a regional airport working with the airline to establish competitive operating conditions and attract additional traffic.

The potential benefits extend beyond outbound leisure travel. International air services can make regional destinations more accessible to visitors from abroad, although the scale of any inbound tourism impact will depend on flight schedules, passenger demand and the availability of suitable tourism products.

Airline renews pressure over German aviation costs

Alongside the route announcement, Ryanair reiterated its criticism of Germany's aviation tax and the charges associated with airport security, air navigation services and airport operations.

The airline maintains that these costs reduce the country's competitiveness compared with other European aviation markets and limit opportunities for new routes and investment.

Ryanair is calling for the complete abolition of Germany's aviation tax and a 50% reduction in relevant access costs, including security, air navigation and airport charges.

The company has outlined a conditional expansion proposal under which it would double its annual passenger traffic in Germany to 34 million, base 30 additional aircraft in the country and open new operating bases.

According to Ryanair, the additional aircraft would represent an investment of approximately US$3 billion, while the wider expansion could create 1,000 jobs.

These figures represent the airline's stated investment ambitions rather than confirmed commitments. Ryanair has explicitly made the proposed expansion dependent on changes to Germany's aviation cost structure.

For Kassel Airport, the immediate development is more specific: the planned introduction of two international leisure routes in summer 2027.

The services will give northern Hesse additional direct connections to established Mediterranean destinations and may provide new opportunities for regional travel agencies and tourism businesses. Their commercial significance will become clearer once Ryanair publishes the full schedules and booking details.