Ryanair threatens to reduce flights: Is Vienna's airport in danger?

Ryanair threatens to reduce flights: Is Vienna's airport in danger?

There are rumblings in the aviation industry in Vienna: Ryanair could significantly reduce the number of flights to and from Vienna. This worrying move comes in the context of a recent announcement by Wizz Air, which plans to close its base in Vienna from March 2026 and suspend some flights until the end of October. But during this change, Ryanair wants to reshuffle the cards. Reports from the “press” highlight that high airport fees are the reason why Ryanair is considering shrinking its offering. Unfortunately, the company has not yet confirmed this information, but there is excitement as there is a press conference with CEO Michael O'Leary in Vienna on September 17th, where more details are expected.
The situation surrounding airlines is complicated by increasing competition. Wizz Air has reduced its routes in recent years and is struggling with the same challenges as Ryanair. Both airlines agree that high passenger taxes and rising airport fees are damaging Austrian air traffic and tourism. “Wizz Air’s absurd recommendation to travel via Bratislava or Budapest is incomprehensible, especially since we offer significantly cheaper fares in Vienna,” said a Ryanair representative, taking a position against Wizz Air’s strategy. In addition, in response to the closure of Wizz Air, Ryanair launched the “rescue tariffs”, which are intended to offer passengers a cost-effective alternative in order to retain passengers.

High fees are a problem

Ryanair has repeatedly called on the Austrian government to abolish the airline ticket tax of 12 euros per ticket, which has been in effect since 2020, and to reduce airport fees. These fees have increased by over 30 percent since the pandemic, which represents a significant obstacle for the airline. CEO Michael O'Leary said Ryanair would implement a $1 billion investment plan if the government responded to its demands. The goal behind this plan: by 2030, the number of passengers in Austria should increase by 70 percent to 12 million travelers per year, which is also linked to the stationing of ten additional Boeing 737 Max 200 aircraft, which would create 300 new jobs.

But Ryanair's argument is not undisputed. The new Austrian government must face the challenge of balancing the immediate loss of revenue from dwindling taxes and the long-term economic benefits of investment. Compared to other EU countries, such as Sweden and Hungary, which reduce or abolish airline ticket taxes in order to promote air traffic, Austria is stuck here. Without changes, there is a risk of rising ticket prices and a reduced range of flights, warns Ryanair.

The coming days could therefore be crucial for aviation in Austria. The announced press conference on September 17th will show how Ryanair reacts to the developments and whether the Austrian government is ready to take the necessary steps to support the aviation industry. The industry is in a critical phase and the fate of flight connections from Vienna hangs in the balance. We can only hope that an agreement will be reached and that travelers will not suffer from a charged market.