Ryanair, the budget airline from Ireland, has voiced strong criticism regarding the rigid night flight ban at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). This discontent was triggered by an incident on March 24, 2025, when flight FR163 from Brussels was forced to divert to Hanover as landing at Berlin was disallowed under the night regulations. Passengers were left to navigate a laborious three-hour bus journey to reach their destination.
The airline is urging for a more lenient approach to the night flight ban, arguing that such diversions not only inconvenience travellers but also inflate costs and operational demands. A spokesperson from Ryanair labelled the existing regulations as “illogical and avoidable,” spotlighting how even slight delays can trigger diversion, despite the potential for landing shortly after the ban’s implementation.
In February alone, Ryanair reports that over 1,600 passengers faced disruptions due to these diversions. The airline asserts that the extra flight routes imposed unnecessary strains on both passengers and operations. They have appealed directly to Carsten Diekmann, the director of the Berlin-Brandenburg Aviation Authority (LuBB), to swiftly revisit and amend these restrictions.
Ryanair’s plea is mirrored by the support of regional chambers of commerce in Berlin, Cottbus, and Potsdam, who advocate for a relaxation of these night flight regulations. These organisations believe the recent “Air Transport Initiative” statement represents a promising move towards a more economical and passenger-friendly interpretation of flight restrictions.
Ryanair criticises Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s strict night flight ban following a flight diversion incident, arguing for flexible regulations. The airline claims diversions inconvenience passengers and increase costs. Over 1,600 passengers faced similar disruptions recently. They are urging the aviation authority to revise the ban, backed by regional commerce chambers advocating for a more reasonable implementation.
In summary, Ryanair’s staunch opposition to the strict night flight ban at Berlin Brandenburg Airport stems from the significant passenger disruptions it causes, showcased by a recent diversion incident. The airline’s call for regulatory reform highlights the need for flexible aviation rules that could alleviate operational burdens while accommodating passenger needs. Support from regional commerce chambers may strengthen their push for change, ultimately promoting a more efficient air travel experience.
Original Source: aviation.direct
