Ryanair axes German routes over tax

RYANAIR is blaming a new German tourist tax for its decision to axe 34 routes from its schedule next summer.

Ryanair flights between Kerry in Ireland and Dusseldorf will also be stopped as part of reductions in its German operation next year.

Flights connecting Liverpool to Bremen and Birmingham to Dusseldorf are among those to be scrapped as a result of Germany’s €8 tax on flights, which comes into effect at the start of January.

The airline said its decision to make “deep cuts” to its business in Germany will cost 3,000 jobs across the industry and reduce the number of passengers it flies in the country by three million.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary urged the German government to rethink the tax, which he said would damage the country’s economy.

He called on Germany to follow the example set by Ireland which last week announced it would reduce its tourist tax from €10 to €3 in March.

Mr O’Leary said: “The German government’s €8 tourist tax continues to inflict significant damage on traffic, tourism and jobs in Germany.

Ryanair will move its aircraft to bases outside Germany that welcome tourists, he added.

Britain increased its air passenger duty at the start of November. The levy on flights of up to 2,000 miles increased 9% to £11 (€12.95), while flights of between 2,000 and 4,000 miles rose 33% to £60.

The levy on journeys of between 4,000 and 6,000 miles increased 50% to £75, and passengers on flights of more than 6,000 miles must pay £85, a 55% increase.