Ryanair Vienna routes cut over aviation tax

Ryanair says it will remove three based aircraft and suspend routes at Vienna International Airport for winter 2025/26 due to Austria’s EUR12 aviation tax and high airport fees.

Ryanair Vienna routes are being pared back after the carrier announced plans to withdraw three locally based aircraft and pause services from Vienna for the winter 2025/26 season, citing Austria’s EUR12 aviation tax and what it calls excessive airport charges.

The airline warned on the same day that, unless the Austrian government scraps the tax and reduces fees, more cuts are possible and capacity may shift to lower-cost EU markets. Ryanair framed the move as a cost-management step to protect its low-fare model amid rising operating expenses.

Wizz Air has already signalled a similar squeeze on operations: the low-cost carrier plans to close its Vienna base by March 2026, underlining how rising costs are reshaping the competitive landscape at Vienna International Airport (VIE).

Why Ryanair Vienna routes are at risk

Ryanair points to a fixed EUR12 per-ticket levy and higher airport fees as the central drivers of the decision. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Ryanair and Wizz Air run tight unit-cost models, so per-passenger taxes and incremental fee increases can quickly make routes unprofitable. Without changes to taxation or charges, the carrier says it will relocate aircraft and seat capacity to airports in countries with lower charges.

What Ryanair announced: removal of three based aircraft and suspension of services from Vienna for winter 2025/26.
Primary reason: Austria’s EUR12 aviation tax plus high airport fees affecting unit costs.
Wider impact: Wizz Air will close its Vienna base by March 2026, signalling a trend among low-cost carriers.
Potential outcome: further reductions or relocation of capacity to lower-cost EU markets — a direct threat to Ryanair Vienna routes.

Passengers and local stakeholders should expect schedules to change for the upcoming winter season; travellers planning flights through Vienna should monitor airline and airport announcements. The next weeks will be important as Austria’s policymakers consider whether to respond to carrier demands or let market adjustments continue.