Ryanair Cuts Routes and Reduces Fleet in Vienna
Following the withdrawal of Wizz Air, the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is also withdrawing 3 of the 19 aircraft stationed in Vienna. Around 100 employees are affected. The airline justified the move on Wednesday in Vienna with Austria's "exorbitant air traffic tax of 12 euros" and the "excessive airport fees in Vienna." Three routes - Billund, Santander, and Tallinn - will be completely discontinued in the winter schedule of 2025, and other connections will be reduced.
Criticism of Cost Structure at Vienna Airport
Ryanair's competitor Wizz Air had just announced last week that it would withdraw all of its five aircraft and close the base in Vienna. The airline also cites significantly increased airport charges, taxes, and ground handling costs in Vienna, as well as a strategic focus on core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, as reasons for the withdrawal.
Wizz Air and Ryanair came to Vienna in 2018 after the insolvency of Air Berlin's subsidiary Niki and, like other low-cost airlines, tried to fill the market gap. Ryanair took over the Niki successor airline Laudamotion, founded by Niki Lauda. The result was a loss-making battle for market share, which temporarily provided passengers with very cheap tickets.
Vienna Airport Expects Negative Consequences
Vienna Airport saw its demand for the abolition of the flight ticket tax confirmed on Wednesday. This 12 euros accounted for an average of one-third of the costs incurred by airlines per passenger and was a significant factor in airlines' location decisions. The Vienna Airport now expects negative consequences for passenger development in 2026. An efficiency improvement and cost reduction program is intended to cushion as much of the impact on results as possible, the press office announced.
AUA CEO Annette Mann also stated that there is a great need for action regarding costs in Vienna. Following the announced withdrawal of Wizz Air, the Lufthansa subsidiary has decided to increase its offer in the coming months "in the order of two short-haul aircraft."
(APA/Red)
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