Ryanair Will Continue to Avoid Leipzig/Halle and Dresden in 2027

Ryanair will not be offering any flights from Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports in the summer of 2027, at least for the time being. Discussions about resuming flight operations for the summer schedule ended without an agreement, as confirmed by both the airline and Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG (MFAG). Several media outlets had previously reported on this.

Return in the winter remains uncertain

Until March 2025, Ryanair had connected Leipzig/Halle with London and Dresden with Mallorca. It remains to be seen whether these routes, which are popular with travelers, will return. The airline stated that it is still in discussions regarding possible flights for the winter of 2027/28. However, there are no specific destinations or commitments at this time.

Location Costs Prevent Agreement

Both sides attribute the failed negotiations primarily to the costs associated with the location. MFAG stated that it had gone “to its limit” financially with its offer. For an airline, however, government-mandated costs and aviation security costs—over which an airport operator has little or no influence—are also decisive factors. Overall, the terms were not competitive enough to attract Ryanair for 2027.

A Ryanair spokesperson cited, among other things, the German air traffic tax. For flights within Europe, this tax amounts to approximately 13 euros per passenger and is due upon departure from a German airport. Added to this are high security and airport fees. With an average ticket price of 46 euros on the European route network, the overall package is too expensive.

Airport operator financially stabilized

Ryanair stated that it intends to gradually reduce its service in the German market due to the costs. MFAG regretted the decision but plans to continue courting Ryanair and other airlines. The goal must be to significantly reduce the costs of operating air traffic in Germany.

The airport operator’s financial situation has recently improved: In 2025, after years of heavy losses, MFAG posted a surplus of 10.5 million euros. According to the company, the restructuring was completed in July ahead of schedule, and financing is secured through 2038.