Ryanair is set to reduce its operations in Denmark, citing the country’s new aviation tax of DKK 50 (€6.70) per departing passenger as the reason. The airline will cancel all flights to and from Aalborg Airport and close its base at Billund Airport by the end of March 2025. This move will result in Denmark losing 1.7 million seats and 32 routes for the summer. Billund is the main airport for the LEGO headquarters, including tourist attractions Legoland and Lego House, therefore it is reasonable to expect reactions from the toys giant. Ryanair has criticized the Danish government‘s decision, stating that the aviation tax will damage Denmark’s connectivity, tourism, jobs, and overall economy. The airline argues that the tax makes Denmark and its regional airports “hopelessly uncompetitive” compared to other EU countries. Ryanair is relocating its aircraft and capacity to countries like Sweden, Italy, and Hungary, which are abolishing aviation taxes to stimulate traffic recovery and growth. According to Ryanair, Denmark is one of the few EU countries that has yet to recover its pre-COVID traffic levels. The airline views the aviation tax as a barrier to growth and intends to redirect its operations to destinations with lower costs. Staff, pilots, and cabin crew based at Billund have been offered positions at other bases within the Ryanair Group network.
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