German airports lag behind Europe as costs and rules stifle recovery
European air traffic has now exceeded pre-pandemic levels, but German airports are still struggling to recover. Flight numbers remain below 2019 figures, with over a third of domestic routes cut since then. Industry leaders warn that high costs and regulatory hurdles are pushing the country further behind its neighbours.
The German Airports Association (ADV) has highlighted the urgent need for reform. It argues that excessive state-imposed charges are discouraging airlines from expanding in Germany, unlike in other European markets. Point-to-point carriers, in particular, have barely grown their services here, while competitors abroad have scaled up.
Hesse's Transport Minister, Kaweh Mansoori (SPD), echoed these concerns, stating that Germany risks losing its standing as a key aviation hub. The ADV is calling for a review of fees and more predictable regulations, especially in air traffic control pricing, to secure funding for smaller airports. The association also stressed the importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) for carbon-neutral flying. It urged policymakers to provide reliable investment incentives, market-based scaling tools, and clearer frameworks. At the same time, the ADV opposes any additional national restrictions beyond existing EU standards, warning they could further damage Germany's competitiveness.
Without changes to cost structures and regulatory stability, German airports may continue to lag behind. The ADV's proposals aim to boost investment, restore lost routes, and align with climate goals through SAF adoption. The next steps will depend on whether policymakers act on these recommendations.
