Ryanair has announced the cessation of all flights to and from Aalborg Airport in Denmark at the end of March. This decision will result in the loss of 1.7 million seats and 32 routes for the summer season. The budget airline has also confirmed the closure of its base at Billund, another Danish destination. This move comes in response to the Danish government’s introduction of an aviation tax of up to DKK 50 per departing passenger from January 2025, coupled with Billund’s failure to reach a competitive long-term agreement with the airline. Ryanair has criticized the government for this decision, claiming that it will lead to Denmark’s regional airports becoming uncompetitive compared to other EU countries that are abolishing similar taxes to stimulate growth.
The aviation tax introduced by Denmark will be an additional fee that travelers must pay when booking a flight. These taxes are intended to encourage individuals to consider the environmental impact of their travel choices and deter unnecessary air travel. However, airlines are responsible for collecting these taxes and passing them onto customers as part of their ticket cost, which has raised concerns for carriers like Ryanair who fear that it will deter passengers. Environmental campaigners argue that air passenger duty taxes could be more effective in discouraging flying and reducing emissions, suggesting the implementation of a Frequent Flying Levy to reduce excessive flights for wealthy passengers.
Ryanair has condemned the Danish government’s decision to introduce an aviation tax as “bizarre” and criticized it for damaging Denmark’s connectivity, tourism jobs, and economy. The airline believes that the tax will make the country’s regional airports uncompetitive compared to other EU countries like Sweden, Italy, and Hungary that are choosing to abolish aviation taxes to boost traffic recovery and growth. This move by Ryanair will impact travelers flying to and from Aalborg and Billund airports, as well as those planning visits to popular destinations like Legoland in Billund. The airline’s withdrawal from these airports highlights the potential negative consequences of implementing taxes that could lead to reduced air connectivity and economic growth.
The closure of Ryanair’s flights to Aalborg and Billund airports will have significant implications for the summer travel season in Denmark, resulting in the loss of millions of seats and routes. The budget airline’s decision to end operations in response to the Danish government’s aviation tax highlights the challenges that airlines face in a changing regulatory environment focused on environmental sustainability. While the tax is intended to encourage more sustainable travel choices, airlines like Ryanair argue that it could hinder growth and harm the country’s competitiveness. Environmental campaigners support measures to reduce air traffic and emissions, suggesting alternative policies such as a Frequent Flying Levy to discourage excessive flying and promote more sustainable travel practices across Europe.
