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"Detrimental departure": Exploring the impact of Ryanair's abandonment of Billund on foreigners residing in Denmark
We questioned our readers in the Billund and Aarhus regions about the impact of budget airline Ryanair ceasing operations at Billund Airport as of April 1st.
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Due to Denmark's new air travel tax, Ryanair will discontinue all 24 routes from Jutland's second-largest airport. Despite still operating from Aarhus Airport, some distance away, the move negatively affects many foreign residents in the region.
We turned to our Danish readers for their thoughts on the matter.
READ MORE:
- Where can Ryanair create travel chaos this year?
- What alternatives exist for flying cheap from Denmark's Billund Airport?
- Ryanair confirms the cessation of all routes from Denmark's Billund Airport
Scott Schoenfelder, a resident of Vejle, stated, "We've flown Ryanair a few times in the past four years in Denmark. As a family of six, we need affordable options to continue exploring Europe. Our eldest daughter began University this school year in Dublin, so that's at least 25-30 tickets we won't be purchasing for visits and transportation back and forth over the following 3.5 years."
Even people from Aarhus—which boasts its own airport offering Ryanair flights—mourned the loss of Billund. Aritra Sinha, an Aarhus resident, remarked, "As a resident of Aarhus, Billund was the nearest airport to operate various destinations, and I can't imagine travel without Ryanair at Billund."
Some readers were forced to endure longer travels, heading to Copenhagen Airport. Ilaria noted, "I won't be able to visit my home country from Jutland due to many hours of travel to reach Copenhagen on terrible rail infrastructure."
One of Ryanair's canceled routes at Billund connects Denmark with the Hungarian capital Budapest. A reader from Aarhus shared their sentiments, "I'll have to travel to Copenhagen for every Hungary visit or trips to Malta and other countries."
"My grandma and other older family members won't be able to visit us in Denmark anymore, as we live in Aarhus, and they are too old to travel to Copenhagen instead of Billund because of the distance and lack of English language skills," expressed Alexandra from Randers.
Many expressed concern about traveling to and from the UK due to the halted Ryanair routes from Billund to London Stansted and other UK airports. Zoe wrote, "I travel frequently for work, family, and I haven't got a clue what I'll do. I'm a British national living in Denmark."
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UK Travel Disrupted
For a number of people who contacted us, the termination of Ryanair flights from Billund to London Stansted and other UK airports was a huge setback.
"This will make visiting the UK more challenging and expensive, but the Stansted flights were rarely full, so it was too good to last for customers," said Max in Billund.
"It makes seeing my family in the UK much harder," explained Sarah, a resident of Herning. "I have elderly parents, and having the convenience of Billund with flights daily allowed me to visit them whenever possible. This decision to eliminate Ryanair from Billund now makes me reconsider where I live."
William Garland, another Aarhus resident, expressed sadness, "Ryanair's departure means I lose the most convenient method of returning home to Manchester."
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Struggling to Get to Denmark
Individuals based outside Denmark also expressed remorse.
"This route is vital for us to see my wife's family, whom we visit about 4-5 times a year," said Tom Balch, a UK resident with family in Denmark. "This decision will significantly reduce our chances of attending crucial family events. It's heartbreaking to think we'll be separated from a large portion of our family members over something so trivial."
"It will affect me heavily because I usually travel to Denmark from Malta through Ryanair due to the direct and affordable connection," wrote Maysh Salga, a Maltese resident.
"It will be sad and tough to discover affordable flights to Denmark," Maysh added.
"This blow is devastating! I have friends and family in Jutland and made frequent trips from Edinburgh to Billund," shared Deborah Lockhart, a resident of Ayr, Scotland.
"I hope another budget airline will step in or a compromise is reached between Ryanair and Danish authorities," she continued.
Further Reviews
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Observations
- Substitute Airlines: After Ryanair's exit, Billund Airport is seeking replacements to fill their vacancy. However, the availability of specific budget airlines as alternatives has not yet been detailed. The airport has seen an increase in traffic for charter and network airlines—such as a 17% increase for network airlines and an 11% increase for charter airlines, excluding Ryanair's traffic[3]. Budget travelers could explore alternatives like Wizz Air or Eurowings at other Danish airports, but their presence at Billund has not been confirmed.
- Alternative Options: Travelers may need to investigate other nearby airports, like Copenhagen, or consider alternative routes with layovers via major carriers, such as Lufthansa, for some destinations[5].
- The discontinuation of Ryanair's operations at Billund Airport will impact the travel industry, particularly for budget-travel enthusiasts.
- The loss of Ryanair flights from Billund to London Stansted and other UK airports could make traveling to and from the UK more challenging and expensive.
- Some residents in the Billund and Aarhus regions are worried about finding affordable options for exploring Europe, as their family's university studies or work require frequent travel.
- Even though Aarhus Airport still offers Ryanair flights, the closure of the connections from Billund affects travelers due to the convenience and closer proximity.
- The cessation of Ryanair routes affects various destinations, including Budapest, Malta, and Manchester, making travel to these locations more difficult and time-consuming.
- Budget airlines like Wizz Air and Eurowings might become alternatives for budget-minded travelers, but their presence at Billund Airport has not been confirmed yet.
- Some travelers may need to consider alternative routes with layovers via major carriers to reach their destinations.
- The financial implications of this decision might force some people to reconsider their living arrangements, as convenient travel options are essential for work, family, and lifestyle needs.
