The news is presented - as usual - as progress for the passenger. At a press conference organised by Ryanair in Dublin last week, the airline's CEO, Michael O'Leary, explained that he wanted to make online registration compulsory.
The Dublinlive.ie website reports that the head of Ryanair is quoted as saying: ". We're going to get rid of the counters and there will no longer be any reason to charge people to check in at airports." .
At the moment, airline passengers are simply encouraged to check in onlineincluding those with luggage. Those who prefer to check in their baggage at the airport can still do so for an additional €55. According to Michael O'Leary, 60% passengers of the company already use the application to register.
But this is no longer enough. During the press conference, Michael O'Leary expressed the hope that che percentage rises to 80% by the end of the year. Beforereach 100% from May 2025.
May 1st would appear to be the cut-off date. to completely eliminate check-in at a counter for the low-cost airline. The measure would make it possible to reduce the number of airport staff. And so maintain attractive prices.
The company indicates that it will nevertheless apply an emergency procedure for passengers whose telephone, for example, has run out of charge by checking name, passport number, telephone number or e-mail address.
Ryanair further reduces its offer to Germany
What's more, Ryanair has finally carried out its threat to withdraw from Germany. This decision is linked to the government's decision to raise taxes on air transport.
After Berlinthe carrier is turning the screw once again and will eliminate 12% from its airline offer. Ryanair to stop serving Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig airports. It will also reduce its offer from Hamburg by 60%.
L'Association of German Airports ADV warned the government that Germany was losing its attractiveness as a place to fly. "Germany is too expensive. We are no longer competitive", said ADV Managing Director Ralph Beisel. Other airlines could follow Ryanair's lead, notably in Hamburg, where the airport authority has decided to raise its taxes sharply.
Ryanair's decision in Germany could be repeated in France, where the government has decided to significantly increase the solidarity tax on air travel to make up the country's deficit.
