Ryanair has expressed its strong discontent regarding the night flight ban implemented at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). The controversy was ignited by the diversion of flight FR163 from Brussels on March 24, 2025, which, due to these restrictions, redirected to Hanover instead of landing in Berlin. Consequently, passengers were burdened with an arduous three-hour bus journey to reach their intended destination.
The airline is advocating for a more flexible interpretation of the night flight prohibitions, arguing that such diversions not only inconvenience travellers but also incur additional operational costs. In the words of a Ryanair spokesperson, the existing regulation is marked by its “illogical and avoidable” nature, especially as it leads to diversions for minor delays that could allow for landings just post-curfew.
Ryanair reported that in February 2025 alone, over 1,600 passengers faced disruption due to these diversions, urging that the added rerouted flights are creating unnecessary complications. They are appealing to Carsten Diekmann, the head of the Berlin-Brandenburg Aviation Authority (LuBB), to swiftly modify the current regulations to alleviate these issues.
Additionally, Ryanair is not alone in its plea; it has garnered support from local chambers of commerce across Berlin, Cottbus, and Potsdam. These regional bodies are in favour of easing the night flight restrictions, viewing the recent statement from the “Air Transport Initiative” as a promising move towards establishing a more economically viable and passenger-friendly aviation environment.
Ryanair criticizes Berlin’s night flight ban after flight diversions caused significant passenger inconvenience. The airline urges for a more flexible approach to regulations, citing financial and operational burdens. With support from local chambers of commerce, there’s a collective push for a review of the restrictive laws to benefit both passengers and the economy.
In summary, Ryanair’s criticism of Berlin’s night flight ban underscores significant passenger inconvenience and operational inefficiencies. With numerous passengers affected by diversions, the airline is urging for regulatory changes that will facilitate smoother operations and a more sensible approach to nighttime landing restrictions. Support from regional chambers of commerce highlights a broader call for reform, suggesting a potential shift towards accommodating both economic and passenger needs.
Original Source: aviation.direct
