Ryanair is reducing capacity in another European country, closing its Billund base in response to what the airline described as “harmful” aviation tax implemented by the Danish government.
This closure will result in Denmark losing 1.7 million seats, 32 routes and two aircraft for the summer period of 2025, leading to the loss of a $200 million investment, the airline confirmed.
In addition to ceasing operations at Billund, the airline will cut all routes to and from Aalborg from the end of March, this is also in response to the Danish government's implementation of aviation tax.
The Danish government's new tax will impose a fee of up to DKK 50 ($6.96) on each departing passenger.
“We are very disappointed to announce the closure of our two aircraft Billund base and our operations at Aalborg from the end of March, but we have been left with no other choice following the Danish Government’s short-sighted decision to introduce a harmful aviation tax from January 2025,” said a spokesperson for the airline.
Ryanair confirmed that its Billund based pilots and cabin crew have been notified of this base closure.
This announcement follows Ryanair’s recent decision to cut capacity at Spanish regional airports by 18% during the summer period of 2025 due to “excessive” regional airport fees implemented by airport operator Aena.
The airline is also set to boost capacity in European countries such as Poland and Slovakia, citing government decisions to deliver cost efficiencies to stimulate investment.