Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) has decided to end its operations at Maastricht from October 26 due to rising costs. The airline will discontinue routes from the southern Dutch airport to Alicante Elche Miguel Hernández, Bari, Girona, Porto, and Zadar.
The Irish low-cost carrier accused Maastricht airport of significantly increasing the taxes, making it "one of the most expensive airports in Europe." It said it would redistribute its capacities to other European markets, such as Sweden, Italy, and Poland.
The airport stated it had been negotiating with Ryanair for months but could not reach an agreement that would be financially sustainable.
"That means we focus on activities and contracts (for both cargo and passengers) that are profitable and can cover our costs with a healthy margin. That does not apply to the rates Ryanair wishes to pay at Maastricht Aachen Airport, which are significantly lower than at other Dutch airports," the airport announced.
According to the ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Operator Capacity Data module, Ryanair proffers 1,904 weekly departure seats out of Maastricht, accounting for 76.3% of the airport's total scheduled passenger capacity. Other airlines operating there include Corendon Airlines Europe and Corendon Dutch Airlines.
While Ryanair is pulling out of the Dutch city, it could open a new base at Trapani, following the Sicilian Regional Assembly's decision to abolish the municipal surcharge on airline tickets for flights to smaller island airports. The airline welcomed that development, promising more frequencies to Trapani, but has yet to confirm it would mean a base there.
