Ryanair to Cancel All Maastricht Flights Due to Rising Costs

Starting October 26, 2025, Ryanair will cease all operations at Maastricht Airport. The decision stems from the airport’s steep increase in costs, positioning it as one of Europe’s priciest airports.

Coupled with the Dutch government’s escalating aviation taxes, these factors are severely undermining the Netherlands’ air connectivity.

Ryanair’s withdrawal will result in the loss of 150,000 seats annually and five direct routes, with the airline redirecting capacity to more cost-competitive countries like Sweden, Italy, and Poland.

Soaring Costs at Maastricht Airport

Maastricht Airport’s decision to significantly raise its charges has made it uncompetitive compared to other European airports.

Many airports across Europe are lowering costs to attract airlines and boost passenger numbers, but Maastricht’s approach is the opposite.

This cost hike comes at a time when the airport is already struggling, handling only 50% of its pre-COVID traffic levels in 2024. Ryanair’s exit is likely to worsen this decline, further isolating the region.

The Dutch government’s aviation policies are also contributing to the problem. In 2021, the government introduced an “eco tax” that has since skyrocketed. It has risen by over 275%, now nearing €30 per passenger.

Critics, including Ryanair, argue the tax is flawed, as it exempts the most polluting connecting passengers, often traveling on older, less efficient aircraft.

This combination of high airport charges and rising taxes has created a challenging environment for airlines like Ryanair, which rely on low operating costs to offer affordable fares.

Impact on Passengers and Connectivity

Ryanair’s departure from Maastricht will have significant consequences. The loss of 150,000 seats per year and five direct routes will limit travel options for passengers in the region.

Popular destinations previously served by Ryanair will no longer be accessible from Maastricht, forcing travellers to seek alternatives at other airports, potentially at higher costs or with less convenience.

Meanwhile, countries like Sweden, Italy, and Poland are benefiting from their proactive approach to aviation.

By reducing airport charges and eliminating aviation taxes, these nations are attracting airlines like Ryanair, which is expanding its operations there. This shift highlights a growing divide in Europe, where cost-competitive airports are thriving, while those with high fees struggle to recover.

Ryanair’s Perspective

Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed disappointment over the decision. “We are saddened to remove all flights from Maastricht Airport starting October 26, 2025,” he said.

“The airport’s excessive cost increases, combined with the Dutch government’s aviation tax hikes, have made operations unsustainable.

Maastricht is now one of Europe’s most expensive airports, lagging behind at just 50% of pre-COVID traffic. Meanwhile, Ryanair continues to grow across Europe, carrying 206 million passengers this year, thanks to low-cost airports that enable our unbeatable fares.”

Conclusion

Maastricht Airport’s failure to recover its pre-COVID traffic underscores the need for a rethink in Dutch aviation policy.

High costs and taxes are driving airlines away, reducing connectivity and limiting economic growth.

As Ryanair shifts its focus to more welcoming markets, the Netherlands risks falling further behind in Europe’s competitive aviation landscape.