Ryanair Halts Operations at Aalborg and Billund Amid New Danish Aviation Tax

Ryanair has declared that it will cease operations at Aalborg Airport in Denmark at the end of March, eliminating 1.7 million seats and discontinuing 32 flight routes planned for the summer season. The airline will also be closing its base at Billund Airport, where two aircraft are currently stationed.

The move comes in response to Denmark’s recent introduction of an aviation tax that could charge up to DKK 50 per departing passenger, a measure that is set to be implemented in January 2025. Ryanair criticized the tax as a short-sighted policy and cited the lack of a competitive long-term agreement at Billund as key reasons making operations financially unsustainable.

Ryanair’s decision is expected to have a considerable impact on regional air connectivity in Denmark, particularly affecting travelers heading to popular attractions like Legoland. Currently, the airline operates direct flights from London Stansted to Aalborg and Billund, with additional connections from Edinburgh and Manchester to Billund.

The Danish aviation tax is part of broader environmental initiatives aimed at reducing air travel emissions. While similar measures are in place across various European countries, some nations have recently abandoned them in an effort to revive air traffic after the pandemic. Proponents of higher taxes argue that such levies encourage travelers to consider the environmental impact of flying and help lower overall emissions.

Environmental advocates, including representatives from groups like Stay Grounded, support even stricter measures, such as implementing a Frequent Flying Levy to target excessive air travel by affluent passengers. The Danish tax is emerging as a significant case study, with implications for balancing economic growth against environmental sustainability and potentially setting a precedent for other nations.