Ryanair to Exit Maastricht Aachen Airport Citing Rising Costs

Key Takeaways

• Ryanair will stop flights from Maastricht Aachen Airport after October 26, 2025.
• Dutch aviation taxes rose 275%, from €8 in 2021 to €29.40 in 2025.
• Passengers must rebook from other airports, facing higher costs and longer travel.

Ryanair’s Departure from Maastricht Aachen Airport: What It Means for Passengers, the Region, and the Future of Low-Cost Travel

Ryanair has announced it will stop all flights from Maastricht Aachen Airport after the summer season of 2025, with the last flights scheduled for October 26, 2025. This decision, made public at the end of May 2025, is a direct response to what Ryanair calls “excessive” increases in airport costs and Dutch aviation taxes. The airline says these rising costs have made Maastricht Aachen Airport too expensive for low-cost carriers to operate profitably.

This move will have a major impact on travelers, the airport, and the wider region. It also highlights a growing debate about how government tax policies and airport fees affect the choices available to passengers and the health of regional airports.

Why Is Ryanair Leaving Maastricht Aachen Airport?

Ryanair’s decision centers on two main issues: higher airport charges and a sharp rise in Dutch aviation taxes. According to Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, Jason McGuinness, “These significant cost increases make Maastricht airport one of the most expensive airports in Europe and completely uncompetitive compared to other countries and low-cost airports elsewhere in Europe.”

The Dutch government’s aviation tax has increased from €8 per passenger in 2021 to €29.40 in 2025. That’s a 275% jump in just four years, making it one of the highest aviation taxes in Europe. Ryanair argues that these costs, combined with higher airport fees, make it impossible to offer low fares and still run a profitable operation at Maastricht Aachen Airport.

The airport’s management, on the other hand, says it needs to focus on profitable contracts to reach its break-even target by 2027. They state that Ryanair’s proposed rates were “significantly lower than at other Dutch airports” and did not meet the airport’s new financial goals.

What Flights Are Affected?

Ryanair currently offers five routes from Maastricht Aachen Airport:

• Alicante (year-round)
• Bari (summer only)
• Porto (summer only)
• Zadar (summer only)
• Girona (summer only)

All these flights will end after October 26, 2025. After this date, Ryanair will have no presence at Maastricht Aachen Airport.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

For travelers, Ryanair’s exit means the loss of all low-cost Ryanair flights from Maastricht. This will especially affect people who rely on affordable travel options, both for holidays and for visiting family or friends. The impact will be felt most during the winter and off-peak seasons, when fewer airlines operate from the airport.

Key points for passengers:

• All Ryanair flights from Maastricht will end after October 26, 2025.
• If you have a Ryanair booking from Maastricht after this date, your flight will be canceled.
• Ryanair will contact affected passengers to offer refunds or alternative arrangements, as required by EU261 regulations.
• You may need to rebook your travel from other airports, such as Schiphol, Eindhoven, or airports in Belgium.
• Expect longer travel times and possibly higher costs, as these airports may be farther from your home.

Step-by-Step Guide for Affected Passengers

1. Check Your Bookings: If you have a Ryanair flight from Maastricht after October 26, 2025, check your email and Ryanair account for updates.
2. Wait for Ryanair’s Notification: The airline will contact you with information about cancellations, refunds, or possible alternative flights.
3. Consider Other Airports: Maastricht Aachen Airport will have very limited flight options after Ryanair leaves. Look at flights from Schiphol, Eindhoven, or nearby airports in Belgium.
4. Monitor Official Updates: Keep an eye on the official websites of Ryanair and Maastricht Aachen Airport for the latest news.

For more details on your rights as a passenger, you can visit the European Union’s official page on air passenger rights.

How Will This Affect Maastricht Aachen Airport?

Ryanair’s departure is a major blow to Maastricht Aachen Airport. The airline has been a key player at the airport for years, bringing in thousands of passengers and supporting local tourism and business. With Ryanair gone, Corendon will be the only other airline offering summer holiday flights from Maastricht, and its network is much smaller, focusing mainly on Bulgaria and Greece.

The airport’s management says it must focus on profitable contracts to reach its goal of breaking even by 2027. This means they are not willing to offer Ryanair the lower rates it wants. The airport’s financial struggles are not new—just a few years ago, it was close to shutting down. In 2022, the Schiphol Group bought a 40% stake in the airport for €4.2 million to help stabilize its finances.

The Role of Dutch Aviation Taxes

The Dutch aviation tax is at the center of this dispute. Introduced in 2021 at €8 per passenger, it has risen to €29.40 in 2025. The government says the tax is meant to encourage more sustainable travel and raise money for public projects. However, critics argue that it makes Dutch airports less attractive for airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Ryanair.

Key facts about the Dutch aviation tax:

• 2021: €8 per passenger
• 2025: €29.40 per passenger (275% increase)
• Purpose: To promote sustainability and raise government revenue
• Criticism: Makes Dutch airports less competitive, especially for regional airports

According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the sharp increase in Dutch aviation taxes has made it difficult for regional airports to attract and keep low-cost carriers. This is especially true for Maastricht Aachen Airport, which relies heavily on affordable flights to draw passengers from the surrounding region.

What Are the Wider Implications?

For the Region

The loss of Ryanair flights will reduce the region’s connectivity. Fewer flights mean fewer tourists, less business travel, and less money spent in local shops, hotels, and restaurants. Residents will have to travel farther to catch affordable flights, which could discourage some people from flying at all.

For the Airport

Maastricht Aachen Airport faces a tough road ahead. With only one other airline (Corendon) offering a limited number of flights, the airport will have to work hard to attract new carriers. However, the high Dutch aviation tax is a major barrier. Unless the tax is reduced or the airport can find other ways to cut costs, it may struggle to replace Ryanair’s business.

For Other Airlines

Corendon will become the only airline offering summer flights from Maastricht, but its network is small. Other airlines may be interested in filling the gap left by Ryanair, but the high taxes and fees may make this unattractive.

For the Dutch Government

The government’s aviation tax policy is under scrutiny. While the tax is meant to support sustainability, it may be having the unintended effect of reducing travel options for people in smaller cities and regions. The debate over the right balance between environmental goals and regional connectivity is likely to continue.

Multiple Perspectives: What Do Stakeholders Say?

Ryanair’s Broader Strategy

Ryanair has a long history of pulling out of airports where costs rise above what it considers sustainable. The airline’s business model depends on keeping costs as low as possible so it can offer cheap fares. When taxes or airport fees go up, Ryanair often threatens to leave—and sometimes follows through, as it has done in Maastricht.

This approach is not unique to the Netherlands. Ryanair has made similar moves in other European countries when faced with higher costs. The airline’s strategy is clear: operate only where it can keep fares low and still make a profit.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Ryanair has been an important part of Maastricht Aachen Airport’s operations for years. The airport itself has faced financial challenges, coming close to closure in 2022. The Schiphol Group’s purchase of a 40% stake was meant to help stabilize the airport and secure its future.

The Dutch aviation tax was introduced in 2021 as part of a broader push for sustainability. However, the rapid increase in the tax has made it one of the highest in Europe, putting extra pressure on regional airports that rely on low-cost carriers.

What’s Next for Maastricht Aachen Airport?

The outlook for the airport is uncertain. Management says it will focus on profitable contracts and aims to break even by 2027. Attracting new airlines will be difficult as long as the Dutch aviation tax remains high. The airport may need to look for other sources of revenue or consider new business models to survive.

There is no sign that Ryanair will return unless there are major changes to the tax or fee structure. The airport’s future may depend on whether the Dutch government is willing to reconsider its aviation tax policy, especially for regional airports.

What Should Passengers Do Now?

If you are a regular Ryanair passenger from Maastricht, here’s what you can do:

• Check your future bookings: If you have flights booked after October 26, 2025, expect them to be canceled.
• Wait for official communication: Ryanair will contact you about refunds or alternative options.
• Look for flights from other airports: Consider Schiphol, Eindhoven, or airports in Belgium for your future travel needs.
• Stay informed: Follow updates from Ryanair and Maastricht Aachen Airport on their official websites.

For more information on the Dutch aviation tax and official government policy, you can visit the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Regional Air Travel

Ryanair’s exit from Maastricht Aachen Airport is a clear sign of the challenges facing regional airports in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and across Europe. As airport costs and government taxes rise, low-cost carriers may find it harder to offer affordable flights outside major hubs. This shift could mean fewer travel options and higher prices for passengers, especially in smaller cities and regions.

The debate over Dutch aviation taxes is likely to continue, with strong arguments on both sides. Supporters say the tax is needed for sustainability, while critics warn it could harm regional economies and limit travel choices. For now, passengers in the Maastricht region will need to adjust to a new reality—one with fewer low-cost flights and more travel time to reach alternative airports.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, unless there are significant changes to Dutch aviation taxes or airport charges, Ryanair is unlikely to return to Maastricht Aachen Airport anytime soon. The airport’s future will depend on its ability to adapt and on the choices made by policymakers, airlines, and travelers in the years ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Ryanair will end all flights from Maastricht Aachen Airport after October 26, 2025.
• The decision is due to high airport costs and a 275% increase in Dutch aviation taxes since 2021.
• Passengers will lose affordable travel options and may face higher costs and longer journeys.
• The airport’s future is uncertain, with only one other airline (Corendon) offering limited flights.
• The debate over aviation taxes and regional connectivity is likely to continue in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and beyond.

For the latest updates, visit the official Maastricht Aachen Airport website and Ryanair’s customer service page. Stay informed and plan ahead to avoid travel disruptions as these changes take effect.

Learn Today

Dutch aviation taxes → Government fees on each passenger to raise revenue and promote sustainable air travel in the Netherlands.
Low-cost carriers → Airlines offering cheaper fares by minimizing operating costs, often using secondary airports.
EU261 regulations → European Union rules protecting passenger rights during cancellations, delays, and denied boarding.
Maastricht Aachen Airport → A regional airport in the Netherlands facing financial challenges due to rising costs and taxes.
Schiphol Group → Operator owning 40% of Maastricht Aachen Airport, assisting financially during its near-closure in 2022.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ryanair will cease operations at Maastricht Aachen Airport in October 2025 due to high Dutch aviation taxes and airport fees, ending five routes. This harms affordable travel options and challenges regional connectivity as the airport faces an uncertain future with only one other airline remaining.
— By VisaVerge.com