Flight prices in Germany are rising: passengers are now paying more!

Flight prices in Germany are rising: passengers are now paying more!

In German air traffic, travelers have to expect rising ticket prices. A current study by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) shows that flight ticket prices have been rising continuously since the Corona crisis. This development not only affects traditional airlines, but also low-cost airlines, which also charge higher prices. Various factors give rise to price increases: a shortage of flights, high fees and taxes are the main causes of the cost explosion in the industry. Over the last year, for example, Ryanair has increased its average cost from 66 euros to 80 euros, while Eurowings prices have increased from 110 euros to 130 euros. Only Wizz Air lowers its prices from 94 euros to 67 euros.

The government taxes that apply at German airports also contribute to price developments. Frankfurt, for example, charges a fee of 58.60 euros per passenger, while Munich and Hanover follow with 49.06 euros and 42.13 euros. Berlin-Brandenburg is comparatively cheap at 22.23 euros. Despite rising ticket prices, German air traffic has not fully recovered five years after the pandemic. Seat availability is at 93 percent of 2019 levels, while Europe averages 10 percent higher.

The challenges of the airlines

Jens Bischof, President of the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry (BDL), expresses concern about the situation. He emphasizes that airlines are faced with significant cost increases that they have to pass on to customers. From January 2025, the fee cap for security checks at airports will be increased from 10 to 15 euros per passenger, which will further increase costs. Airlines only earn between five and ten euros per passenger on average, which further exacerbates the companies' economic situation.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary is dissatisfied with the high location costs in Germany and describes the country as an “aviation graveyard”. To remain profitable, Ryanair plans to shift aircraft to lower cost markets. The airline has also announced that it will double its capacity in Germany if the German state reduces costs.

Traveling consumer adjustments

Ticket prices are very dynamic and vary depending on the time of booking. In the short term, prices range between 119 euros for Wizz Air and 169 euros for Eurowings. In the long term, travelers can fly with Ryanair for as little as 46 euros, while Eurowings charges 90 euros for a similar period.

The challenges facing airlines have led to changes in the booking situation and pricing. The Lufthansa Group has highlighted the difficult situation of European air traffic in a fire letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The industry is increasingly becoming the focus of political discussion, particularly with regard to possible measures to improve competitive conditions in Germany.