Low-cost carrier Ryanair has decided to shut its Frankfurt am Main base in March and move the five aircraft currently based there to airports with lower fees.

The airline will stop all flights to and from Frankfurt Am Main from 31 March.

This decision is said to be the result of rising airport fees at Frankfurt, making it uncompetitive with other European airports.

Ryanair said that competitive airport fees play an important role in post-Covid traffic recovery and the hiked airport charges at Frankfurt do not support airlines.

The carrier has informed all its pilots and cabin crew at the Frankfurt am Main base about the planned closure.

All affected flight crew can get alternative roles within its network.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The airline, however, stressed that it will keep investing in its German operations, which includes a $200m investment in a two aircraft base in Nuremberg.

Ryanair Commercial director Jason McGuinness said: “We are disappointed to announce the closure of our Frankfurt am Main base at the end of March 2022, but we have no alternative in response to a decision from the airport to increase its airport fees, despite the collapse in traffic caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While Ryanair continues to invest in German airports who understand the requirement to lower airport charges to recover traffic, competition in the German market has been massively distorted by the €9bn of state aid that was pumped into Lufthansa, who continues to cut its fleet, connections and jobs.”

Furthermore, the carrier stated that it aims to achieve more growth across Europe this summer with its 65 new B737 8-200 ‘Gamechanger’ aircraft.