Ryanair adds 14 new routes from Germany

Ryanair is back at it—shaking things up and stirring the pot in the German aviation market. The airline has announced 14 new routes and a whopping 800,000 extra seats for summer 2025, but there’s a catch: this expansion is all about embracing the underdogs of Germany’s airport scene. Say hello to Baden-Baden, Bremen, Lübeck, Münster, and Weeze. If you’ve never heard of these places, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

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Smaller Airports, Bigger Moves

Ryanair is leaning hard into the “small but mighty” strategy, stationing new aircraft at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden and Weeze airports while reducing its presence in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Dortmund. Translation? Your flight to Malaga or Paphos might now involve a scenic drive through the German countryside before you even hit the runway.

But hey, isn’t that part of the charm? Who needs bustling Berlin when you’ve got the quaint vibes of Lübeck, making its Ryanair comeback after a 10-year hiatus?

Why the Shift?

Ryanair says that Germany’s expensive operational costs like the air traffic control fees, taxes on aviation and security levies are working against the sale of bratwurst, which is to say the opposite of selling them at caviar rates. According to O’Leary, the airline’s chief executive officer, such expenses are “ridiculous” and Germany is one of the toughest markets in Europe in terms of aviation.

The numbers back it up: as of January 2025, German aviation capacity is still limping along at 79% of pre-pandemic levels. Compare that to the rest of Europe, where low-cost carriers have rebounded like a toddler on a trampoline, and you start to see Ryanair’s frustration.

Where Can You Fly?

Ryanair’s new routes promise to whisk you away from these lesser-known hubs to sun-soaked destinations like Gran Canaria, Seville, Malaga, and Paphos. If you’re more into urban vibes, there’s London Stansted on the menu too. So, whether you’re chasing tapas, tan lines, or tea time, there’s a route for you—just maybe not from the airport you were expecting.

Oh, and if you’re flying out of Lübeck, pat yourself on the back for being part of history. This marks Ryanair’s triumphant return after taking a 10-year breather. Better late than never, right?

Cuts in the Big Leagues

While the smaller airports are getting a glow-up, Ryanair is cutting capacity in major cities faster than you can say “Schadenfreude.” Hamburg? Down by nearly 60%. Berlin? Slashed by 17%. Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig? Don’t even bother—they’re off the map entirely. It’s like Ryanair’s doing its own version of Germany’s Next Top Model, and only the underdogs made the cut.

Germany vs. Europe: The Low-Cost Battle

Germany joins other low-cost aviation markets that are still struggling to recover, while the rest of Europe has already fully recovered and even advanced economically. Low-cost airlines service barely 30% of the German market while serving more than 35% of the European one. Whether it is the fees or the culture but Ryanair is definitely not here to be nice.

What Does This Mean for Travellers?

For Travellers it is a bit of a mixed bag. If you are close to any of these small airports then congratulations, you are a royal member for Ryanair. But if you are based out of Berlin or Hamburg… well it is geography class time, Woozy is the place to locate.

But ignoring the drive to the airport (and honestly a snack if needed as it is RyanAir), the ideal scenario will include allowing time for targeting those €19.99 tickets to around the world. More flights result in targeting the pristine places.To summarize the good news to the bad, more options for tickets ultimately increases the chances to getting what you want.

Final Boarding Call

There are many mixed feelings with Ryanair but somehow they are super entertaining. The strong move to small regional airports does further cement the philosophy with low prices- there are no boundaries, and there are opportunities everywhere, not only in the heart of the cities. Pack your bags and get set because it’s time to get googling “How far is Baden-Baden from anywhere?”