Ryanair to drop multiple European routes in 2026 amid higher costs

Ryanair will restructure its network in 2026, ending service on several European routes. The airline cites rising airport fees, increased aviation taxes and broader cost pressures. Affected areas include Germany (notably Berlin, plus reductions around Hamburg and Cologne), Spain (Asturias, Vigo-Peinador, Tenerife North, and the Santiago de Compostela base) and Belgium (withdrawals at Brussels and Charleroi). Travelers may face fewer low-cost options and are advised that alternatives could include rail on some corridors or connections via larger hubs.

Ryanair will carry out a network reshuffle in 2026 that will end service on several European routes. The airline attributes these route withdrawals to higher airport charges, increased aviation taxes, and general operating-cost pressures that have made certain services unsustainable.

Germany is indicated as the most impacted market. The changes include reductions affecting routes serving Berlin as well as cuts tied to Hamburg and Cologne. The airline highlights that government-imposed aviation taxes and rising airport access charges are making operations—particularly at smaller airports—more challenging. The adjustments are expected to reduce low-cost connectivity from Berlin unless capacity is replaced by other carriers.

In Spain, the airline plans to exit Asturias and Vigo-Peinador and to withdraw from Tenerife North. The Santiago de Compostela operational base will also be closed, with potential implications for regional tourism. These steps narrow budget access to several Spanish destinations, including the Canary Islands from Tenerife North.

Belgium will also see service withdrawals at both Brussels and Charleroi following a national aviation tax increase that doubled a passenger levy to €10. While some capacity might be taken up by other airlines, there is uncertainty over whether comparable low fares will be available.

The reported impact includes fewer low-cost seats into both major and regional cities, limited options for leisure and business travelers, and the possibility of pressure on local economies that rely on budget air links. Travelers may consider alternatives such as trains on key corridors—for example, between Berlin and Brussels—connecting flights via larger hubs like Madrid or Barcelona for island destinations, or booking well in advance to secure remaining capacity. The airline may review these markets in the future if taxes and airport charges change, but for 2026 passengers should expect fewer route options and potentially higher prices.