Irish airline Ryanair is increasing its presence at Bratislava Airport and plans to station a fourth aircraft there for the 2026 winter season. The company announced that this move is a direct response to the current political situation in Slovakia.
By waiving air passenger duty and implementing a growth-oriented fee policy at the location, the airline sees ideal conditions for expanding capacity. As a result of these investments, Ryanair forecasts an annual passenger volume of approximately 2,5 million travelers at the Slovakian capital's airport. The development in spring 2026 particularly underscores the upward trend: compared to the previous year, the airline recorded a 170 percent increase in passenger numbers in April.
In stark contrast, Ryanair's management assesses Austria as a business location. The airline is once again criticizing the tax burden and high operating costs in the Austrian market. The criticism focuses particularly on the continued air passenger tax of €12 per passenger. While competitors and industry associations in other European countries have successfully lobbied for reductions in operating costs, Ryanair sees Austria as a competitive disadvantage. In addition to the ticket tax, the company criticizes the air traffic control fees, which it considers excessive compared to other European countries, as well as the high charges levied by Vienna Airport.
This contrasting development in the region is leading to a strategic shift in capacity. Bratislava is increasingly serving as a cost-effective alternative for budget-conscious travelers from the greater Vienna area and the adjacent border regions. Experts observe that the Slovak government, through its liberal air transport policy, is deliberately attempting to win market share from the Vienna-Schwechat hub. Ryanair is systematically exploiting this divergence in tax policy to increase pressure on the Austrian federal government. The airline's goal is the complete abolition of the air passenger duty in order to secure profitability on its Austrian routes and to be able to operate new connections profitably.
The ongoing debate about base costs in Central Europe highlights the high sensitivity of ultra-low-cost carriers to government levies. Since margins in the low-cost segment are slim, a few euros per ticket often determine aircraft base decisions. While Bratislava benefits from increased fleet size, job creation, and improved connectivity, the Austrian market faces stagnation in the short-haul segment without reforms. The upcoming negotiations between airport operators, air traffic control provider Austro Control, and airlines will reveal whether Austria responds to demands for relief or accepts the risk of further capacity outflows.