Ryanair Implements Withdrawal of Five Aircraft from Vienna Operations

Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, has begun the process of withdrawing five of its 19 aircraft stationed in Vienna. This operational shift impacts the airline's workforce, with approximately 120 employees registered with Austria's early warning system for potential redundancies. The measure follows ongoing adjustments in Ryanair's European fleet deployment and is confirmed by the management of Lauda, Ryanair's subsidiary.

As a part of this move, Ryanair will close one of its two Vienna bases, specifically the Malta Air Limited base, by March 2026. The company plans to maintain operations at the Lauda Europe base, which houses 14 Airbus A320 aircraft. The five Boeing aircraft from the Malta Air base in Vienna will be redistributed to other airports within Ryanair's network.

The workforce at Malta Air Crew Vienna has been informed of the changes, and many employees face the possibility of relocation abroad or job loss. The redeployment of aircraft and reallocation of staff align with Ryanair's strategy to strengthen its market presence in countries such as Spain, Italy, and several regions in Eastern Europe.

Ryanair has cited Austria's existing airline ticket tax as a primary factor influencing its decision to reduce capacity in Vienna. The airline has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Austrian government's stance on maintaining this tax, emphasizing that it affects operational costs and competitiveness. Executives from Ryanair have voiced concerns about the lack of policy changes favoring lower taxes and airport fees, which they argue could support growth and job retention in the region.

Historically, Ryanair has sought to negotiate lower operating costs and, where possible, subsidies from local governments and airport authorities across Europe. This approach is designed to maximize efficiency and maintain Ryanair's low-cost business model. However, airport management at Vienna International Airport has noted that the balance between accommodating airline demands and maintaining fair economic conditions is essential for long-term sustainability.

Beyond Vienna, Ryanair is also planning to expand its presence in Bratislava, Slovakia, where it has operated a base for two decades. The airline initially attempted to market Bratislava's airport as an alternative for Vienna-bound passengers. Ryanair's entry into the Vienna market was accelerated following the bankruptcy of Air Berlin and its subsidiary Niki in 2017, after which Ryanair acquired Laudamotion, Niki's successor.

The current reduction in Vienna follows previous moves by Ryanair to adjust its Austrian operations, reflecting the company's ongoing reassessment of regional markets based on regulatory conditions and demand forecasts. The airline has also emphasized its intention to grow in regions where operational costs are more favorable and government policies are supportive of airline expansion.

As Ryanair redistributes its fleet, the Austrian aviation sector faces increased competition from airports in neighboring countries. This development may influence future negotiations between airlines, governments, and airport operators regarding taxes, fees, and support measures intended to attract and retain carriers.

Ryanair continues to monitor the regulatory environment and market performance across its European network, aiming to optimize its fleet allocation and maintain its leading position among low-cost carriers.