Ryanair has this week called on the mayor of Naples to abolish the increased municipal tax which will prevent airfares from remaining low.
It is understood that the decision was taken to increase passenger taxes in the region by 30%.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Ryanair Threatens Reduction in Winter Flights from Naples…
Ryanair has said that as a result of this 30% hike in taxes out of Naples, the airline will have no choice but to reduce capacity.
“This will likely result in the reduction of aircraft based, impacting local tourism, employment and access to low fares for Neapolitans to Italian and European destinations.”, the airline said in a statement.
Adding to this was Jason McGuinness, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer:
“Unfortunately, today we are in Naples with no new routes or growth to announce following the unjustified and excessive 30% increase in the municipal surcharge/tourism tax.”
“Higher access fees at slot-constrained airports like Naples will only force airlines to concentrate operations in peak summer months and the most profitable international destinations, to the detriment of domestic connectivity and for local travellers.”
Other Areas of Italy Are Reducing Such Taxes…
Ryanair was keen to make it known to Naples that other areas of Italy have been reducing taxes.
For example, the Trieste eliminated the additional surcharge, resulting in an additional aircraft based at the airport.
This represented an immediate $100m investment into the local area, with 50% growth coming from eight new routes.
McGuiness reaffirmed the calls on Naples to reverse this decision:
“Ryanair calls on the mayor to immediately stop this unjustified tax increase to safeguard year-round connectivity, tourism and access to low fares for the citizens of Naples.”
“It is also the responsibility of the Italian Government to completely abolish the additional municipal surcharge/tourism tax at all Italian airports and allow Ryanair and other airlines to further increase traffic, tourism and employment in Italy.”
“If the Italian Government abolishes the regressive additional municipal/tourism tax, Ryanair will respond with a $4 billion investment in Italy”.
“[This will add] 40 new aircraft, an additional 20 million passengers per year, over 250 new routes and 1,500 jobs more”.
Overall…
It remains clear that Ryanair will continue to pile on the pressure in Naples for as long as it takes.
Furthermore, the same sort of situation is occurring in Warsaw Modlin, where the airline has reduced capacity.
Such a reduction has resulted in the movement of aircraft to other bases, which looks to be what the airline will do again.
For now, all eyes will be on what Naples does next as a result of this decision from Ryanair.
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