Published on
November 1, 2025
Ryanair’s recent decision to end its seasonal service from Vienna to Split is a significant move as rising aviation taxes and airport fees in Austria continue to undermine the country’s air travel market. The low-cost airline will remove three of its aircraft from Vienna’s base and discontinue multiple routes, including the Vienna-Split flights. This comes amid increasing challenges in Austria’s aviation sector, with several carriers reducing their operations in the region. Despite these cuts, Ryanair will maintain services to other popular Croatian destinations such as Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Pula. The rise in taxes, particularly the aviation tax levied on passengers, is creating an environment where Austria is struggling to compete with neighboring countries that offer more favorable conditions for airlines.
Ryanair’s Route Cancellations and Fleet Reductions
In a significant blow to Austria’s aviation landscape, Ryanair has announced that it will cease its seasonal flights from Vienna to Split. This cancellation is part of a broader strategy by the airline to scale back operations in the Austrian capital due to increasingly high taxes and airport fees. Along with cutting the Vienna-Split route, the airline has also decided to withdraw two additional aircraft from its Vienna base for the upcoming winter 2025/26 season.
During the 2025 summer season, Ryanair had been operating three weekly flights between Vienna and Split, a popular route among holidaymakers traveling to Croatia’s stunning coastline. However, as these taxes continue to rise, Ryanair, which prides itself on providing low-cost travel options, has found these routes no longer viable within its current pricing model.
Previously, Ryanair had also suspended its two weekly flights between Vienna and Rijeka, another Croatian destination. Despite these setbacks, Ryanair remains committed to other Croatian destinations, continuing to offer flights from Vienna to cities like Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Pula.
Austria’s Struggle with High Aviation Taxes
The Austrian government has been facing significant pressure as more and more airlines pull back from the country. Ryanair’s decision is largely driven by Austria’s aviation tax, which has become one of the highest in Europe at €12 per passenger. This tax burden, along with high airport fees, has made Austria less attractive compared to other European countries where governments have either lowered or removed similar taxes.
Countries like Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, and parts of Italy have taken steps to reduce aviation taxes or cut airport fees in an effort to promote air travel and tourism. In contrast, Austria’s tax structure is seen as a significant obstacle for airlines, leading to fewer flight options and higher prices for consumers.
This is not the first time Ryanair has voiced its concerns about the tax environment in Austria. In fact, the airline has already reduced its fleet and canceled routes from Vienna in previous years due to the unfavorable financial conditions. The aviation tax is not only impacting Ryanair, but other carriers like Wizz, Level, easyJet, and Lufthansa have also scaled back their operations in Austria.
The Impact on Austria’s Tourism Industry
Austria’s tourism sector is closely tied to its air travel network. With Ryanair and other low-cost carriers scaling back, the country faces the potential loss of thousands of visitors each year, which could have a negative impact on the local economy. Vienna is one of Europe’s key cultural and business hubs, and it heavily relies on international flights to bring in both tourists and business travelers.
The Croatian market, in particular, is crucial for Austria’s tourism sector. Croatia’s stunning coastline attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom fly into Vienna to access popular tourist destinations like Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar. With fewer flights connecting Austria to these key destinations, there could be a ripple effect on the broader tourism industry in both Austria and Croatia.
Alternatives for Travelers
For those who have relied on Ryanair’s Vienna-Split service, there are still options available, though with some adjustments. While Ryanair is cutting back on routes to Split, flights to Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Pula will remain operational. Passengers seeking a similar route to Split may also consider alternative flights with other carriers, although fares could be higher due to less competition on these routes.
Travel Tip: If you’re planning a trip from Vienna to Split or other Croatian cities, it might be worthwhile to explore connecting flights or consider travel during off-peak seasons when ticket prices might be more affordable. Keep an eye out for promotions or discounts from airlines that still operate routes to Croatia, especially those that may offer cheaper alternatives via neighboring countries like Slovenia or Hungary.
What’s Next for Austria’s Air Travel Industry?
The situation in Austria’s aviation sector is increasingly critical. With major carriers pulling out and Austrian air travel facing challenges, the government must reconsider its aviation tax policy if it hopes to remain competitive in Europe’s increasingly dynamic market. If steps aren’t taken soon to alleviate the burden on airlines, Austria risks becoming less attractive for both travelers and airlines, resulting in a possible long-term decline in tourism and traffic.
In the meantime, travelers planning to visit Austria or Croatia should stay informed about any potential flight changes and be prepared for possible price increases.
