Ryanair Cuts 800,000 Seats to Germany in Dispute Over Taxes

Ryanair Holdings Plc slashed its winter capacity to Berlin and other German cities by 800,000 seats in a dispute over the country’s aviation taxes and access costs.

The Irish budget carrier canceled 24 routes to nine airports, including Hamburg, according to a statement released Wednesday. Flights to Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig will remain closed, it said.

High expenses make Germany “grossly uncompetitive” compared with other European countries, such as Sweden and Hungary, where taxes are being scrapped, according to the statement. The airline also called on the German government to reduce air traffic control charges, airport costs and security fees. ...