Ryanair has announced it will cut flights and routes across France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Spain 🇪🇸, Denmark 🇩🇰, and Italy 🇮🇹 starting July 30, 2025, blaming sharp rises in aviation taxes and airport fees. The most severe changes will hit France 🇫🇷, where the airline will slash winter capacity by 13%, remove 750,000 seats, and cancel 25 routes.
The airline will stop all flights at three French regional airports—Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Brive—beginning winter 2025. Ryanair already left Vatry airport earlier in the year. These cuts follow a 180% hike in The French solidarity tax on airline tickets, which jumped from €2.63 to €7.40 per ticket for domestic and European flights as of March 1, 2025. Ryanair warns that unless France 🇫🇷 reverses this tax, more cuts could come by summer 2026, possibly leaving regional airports empty and shifting investment to other European Union countries.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has criticized the French government’s tax policy, warning that it will cost jobs and investment. He said, “If the tax is abolished, Ryanair could invest up to $2.5 billion, including 25 new aircraft, and double its French passenger numbers to over 30 million each year.” The Union of French Airports (UAF) also raised concerns, noting that low-cost carriers like Ryanair make up over 99% of activity at many regional airports. Without them, these airports could struggle to survive.
Spain 🇪🇸 will also see major cuts to Ryanair’s network for summer 2025, due to a dispute with Spain’s state-owned airport operator over rising fees. While exact numbers are not yet available, the reductions are described as “major.” Similar pressures are causing Ryanair to reduce flights in Germany 🇩🇪, Denmark 🇩🇰, and Italy 🇮🇹, though details for these countries remain limited.
The French solidarity tax, first introduced in 2006, was tripled in the 2025 budget. Ryanair and other low-cost airlines argue that such taxes hurt regional airports and travelers who depend on affordable flights. They say these taxes reduce travel options and economic activity in less-served areas. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes could lead to fewer flights, higher prices, and less choice for travelers, especially those using regional airports.
French officials defend the tax, saying it is needed for environmental and social programs. Environmental groups support higher taxes to cut emissions, but business and tourism groups warn of lost jobs and less travel.
Affected passengers will be contacted by Ryanair and offered rebooking, refunds, or other options under EU air passenger rights. Travelers should check Ryanair’s official website for the latest updates on routes and airports.
If France 🇫🇷 or other countries lower aviation taxes, Ryanair says it could restore flights and invest more in those markets. For now, the airline is shifting focus to countries with lower costs. For official details on the French solidarity tax and aviation policy, visit the French Ministry for Ecological Transition’s website: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/.
The situation remains uncertain, but travelers and local communities should prepare for fewer low-cost flight options as Ryanair responds to rising aviation taxes in France 🇫🇷 and across Europe.
Learn Today
French solidarity tax → A tax on airline tickets in France aimed at funding social and environmental programs, tripled in 2025.
Winter capacity → The number of seats and flights an airline offers during the winter season to meet demand.
Regional airports → Smaller airports outside major cities serving local and low-cost flights critical for regional connectivity.
EU air passenger rights → Legal protections for air travelers in the EU, including rebooking and refunds for affected flights.
Aviation taxes → Government-imposed fees on airline tickets or aviation activities designed to raise revenue or fund projects.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ryanair reduces flights across Europe due to soaring aviation taxes, especially a 180% hike in France. Cuts threaten regional airports and could impact millions of passengers, with possible restoration only if tax policies change. Travelers must check for updates on routes and booking options amid this ongoing crisis.
— By VisaVerge.com
