Ryanair urges Austria to reject German aviation policy

International

Europe’s largest airline says lower taxes and airport charges, not new studies, are needed to boost aviation growth

Ryanair has called on the Austrian government to abandon plans to base its future aviation policy on German recommendations, following the appointment of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to revise Austria’s Aviation Strategy 2040.

According to the airline, Austria should instead follow the example of European countries that have reduced aviation taxes and airport charges to stimulate passenger growth and strengthen their tourism sectors.

Ryanair criticises Germany as policy model

Ryanair argues that Germany has recorded one of Europe's weakest aviation recoveries since the pandemic and questions the decision to seek strategic advice from the country.

The airline claims Austria would benefit more from adopting policies similar to those implemented in Slovakia, Sweden, Hungary and Italy, where aviation taxes have been reduced or abolished and airport charges lowered to encourage airline investment and passenger growth.

Airline renews call for €1 billion growth plan

Ryanair says it presented the Austrian government with a €1 billion growth proposal more than a year ago. According to the carrier, the plan could increase annual passenger traffic in Austria by 70 percent, adding around 12 million passengers per year.

The airline maintains that this expansion would require three key measures: abolishing Austria’s €12 aviation tax, reducing air navigation charges and reintroducing growth incentive programmes at Vienna Airport.

Warning over Austria’s competitiveness

Ryanair warns that without reforms Austria risks losing further market share to lower-cost neighbouring countries. The carrier argues that destinations such as Slovakia, Hungary, Italy and Sweden are becoming increasingly attractive for airlines because of their more competitive aviation policies.

The airline also criticises the Austrian government's decision to commission the DLR to revise the country's aviation strategy, arguing that policy reforms aimed at reducing costs would be more effective in supporting aviation, tourism and economic growth.