Ryanair withdraws two more aircraft from Vienna
The airline accuses the Austrian government of not abolishing the air traffic tax and that the fees in Schwechat are too high. Vienna Airport supported Ryanair to the extent that it demanded the "necessity" of abolishing or significantly reducing the state flight levy in a response.
The withdrawal of the two aircraft corresponds to a loss of 200 million dollars (172 million euros), Ryanair announced in a statement on Tuesday. Vienna Airport also emphasized in its statement that it remains a competitive aviation hub. It will reduce airport charges at the beginning of next year.
The Irish low-cost carrier presented Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) with a growth plan in September, which would increase traffic in Austria to 12 million passengers per year, a 70 percent increase. According to Ryanair, the plan envisaged the stationing of ten new Boeing 8-200 aircraft by 2030. However, the government did not even respond to it, the company further stated.
Withdrawal of Aircraft from Vienna: Threat of Further Reductions
Stocker must now act, demanded Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary. "Otherwise, further reductions and higher airfares for Austrian passengers and visitors are threatened."
The air traffic tax, at 12 euros per passenger, is one of the highest in Europe, Ryanair reiterated. The airport calls the tax "an additional cost burden that is high by international standards." Ryanair has already withdrawn three aircraft for the winter of 2025 and is discontinuing three routes. Ryanair is targeting several countries where costs are considered too high. Low-cost airlines like Wizz, Level, and easyJet have closed their bases in Vienna.
Vienna Airport Points to Successes
The airport emphasized extensively that the fees, for which it is responsible, "currently on average, despite inflation, correspond to approximately the tariff level of ten years ago (2015)" and these will be reduced by up to 4.6 percent as of January 1. These fees apply equally to all airlines. Vienna Airport also pointed to "the recent positive signals from the industry." Austrian Airlines is expanding by at least two short-haul flights in the summer, SAS has returned with daily flights from Copenhagen to Vienna, and Condor is increasing to three daily Frankfurt connections. The current winter flight schedule also appears promising with many destinations and a high density of offerings. Additionally, ongoing discussions are being held with other airlines about additional flight offerings.
Levy Not Present in Other Countries
In many European countries such as Sweden, Hungary, and Slovakia, such flight levies do not exist. "Especially in intense international competition, such costs are crucial for airlines' location decisions," according to Vienna Airport. An abolition or significant reduction would sustainably strengthen the aviation location, it is said from Schwechat. Austrian CEO Annette Mann is also tireless in criticizing this levy and calls for its removal.
The decisions made by individual airlines will temporarily burden passenger development for 2026. Through an efficiency enhancement and cost reduction program, the impact on results is to be cushioned as much as possible.
(APA/Red)
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