Ryanair abandons Vatry airport and other French hubs in face of air tax hike

Ryanair took the decision to leave Vatry in the Marne, a real tragedy for the region. With the inflation of air tax introduced in the 2025 budget, the company justifies closing its routes to Porto and Marrakech. This withdrawal will impact nearly 85% of traffic at the Marne hub. In addition, other provincial airports such as Limoges, Perpignan and Carcassonne are also affected by Ryanair's decision to optimize costs. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the French airline industry.

The wind is changing for Vatry airport, nestled in the heart of the Marne region. Just when the horizon seemed clear, some chilling news darkened the picture: Ryanair, a key player in low-cost air transport, decided to pull out. The announcement came like a bolt from the blue, marking the disappearance of the company's only two scheduled routes, to Porto and Marrakech.

This abrupt abandonment is part of a wider context of adjustments on the part of the Irish giant, shaken by the increase in air taxes imposed by French legislation for 2025. Faced with this new financial pressure, Ryanair has opted for a drastic reduction in its presence on French territory, impacting not only Vatry, but also other airport infrastructures in France.

Reasons for a strategic retreat

Ryanair's discontent is echoed by the increase in the solidarity tax on airline tickets. Designed to support various projects, this tax is perceived by the company as a brake on its business model based on competitive prices. In a letter to the management of Vatry airport, Ryanair describes the tax as "excessive", adding that it seriously compromises its competitiveness on the French market.

This is hardly surprising, given that Ryanair has already made similar adjustments at other European hubs, such as those in Germany and Spain. Indeed, the company recently announced a reduction in flights to Spain for summer 2025, citing tax concerns (source).

A significant impact on Vatry airport and its players

Vatry airport is paying a high price for this exodus. Ryanair, with almost 85 % of traffic, was a central pillar of the hub's activity. This withdrawal threatens to deal a fatal blow not only to the airport itself, but also to the region's entire economic ecosystem. The Marnese dynamic is thus weakened, with the prospect of a loss of passengers and, by extension, of reduced commercial activity.

The Marne departmental council, which owns the airport, deplores the decision as "catastrophic" for the local economy. This denunciation, tinged with deep concern, reflects the prevailing disarray and augurs long discussions on the social and economic repercussions of Ryanair's strategic decision.

A nationwide trend

Unfortunately, Vatry airport is no exception. Ryanair has also confirmed its withdrawal from several other regional hubs, including Limoges, Perpignan and Carcassonne. In all, dozens of routes are being closed, a decision dictated by a firm determination to rationalize costs in the face of tax pressure.

This withdrawal also marks a turning point for Air France, which could find itself in a position to take advantage of the void left by the Irish company in certain regions. Nevertheless, the national airline will also have to contend with the country's fiscal challenges, as will other airlines that could benefit from the market share freed up. The incessant announcements, while focused on immediate financial challenges, are part of a wider strategic planning process. Among recently unveiled commitments, Ryanair plans to acquire 29 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by 2025. (source).

Aware of the special characteristics of the current situation, Ryanair is showing glimpses of its future ambitions while battling against the turbulence (source). This strategic repositioning, though painful for the regions concerned, reveals the many challenges and opportunities facing the company in the European air transport landscape.

Comparison of the impact of Ryanair's withdrawal due to the air tax

Airport	Consequences of withdrawal
Vatry	Delete two routes to Porto and Marrakech
Limoges	Low flows of air traffic
Bordeaux	Start of a dismissal collective
Perpignan	Decrease sudden increase in visitor numbers
Carcassonne	Risk of economic losses local
Marrakech	End of direct connections from Vatry
Porto	Reduction of air traffic international
Brussels-Charleroi	Opening of new lines
London	Increase in connectivity
Edinburgh	Expansion of network to Europe

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