ADV Airport Association Lowers Passenger Forecast for Germany

„Deutschland startet mit einem erheblichen Wettbewerbsnachteil in jede Krise. Trotz der Absenkung der Luftverkehrsteuer bleiben die staatlichen Standortkosten deutscher Flughäfen deutlich über dem europäischen Niveau“, the ADV stated in a communication. The association sees the competitiveness of Germany's air traffic hubs as endangered.

Beyond costs, weaker demand in domestic German air traffic is weighing particularly heavily on the statistics. Providers such as the group subsidiary Lufthansa Cityline, whose routes have been discontinued since the insolvency, previously also operated domestic German connections. This capacity is now partly being compensated with larger aircraft on other routes, which reduces the number of available seats and the overall number of passengers.

The ADV is responding to a noticeable deterioration in business development with the lowered forecast. Industry observers view the correction as a signal that the recovery in air travel demand in Germany is lagging behind comparable European markets.

Impact on the Domestic Route Network

Cooperation with international partners such as Air France-KLM is also under pressure. On the disputed "knock-out" issue, the EU Commission most recently demanded more favorable conditions for market access to domestic German routes, further burdening air transport policy.

At the same time, industry representatives point out that airlines and airports are suffering from increased energy and labor costs, while revenues are coming under pressure from declining booking numbers. The result: many regional airports must put their investment plans on hold.

The ADV is therefore demanding further relief from federal policymakers. In addition to a permanent reduction of the air travel tax, the association is calling for lower security fees and reliable financing of air traffic control.

Demands on Federal Policy

Without political countermeasures, the ADV warns of a further loss of significance for German airports in European competition. This could also weaken connectivity for rural regions and Germany's accessibility for tourists, the association warns.

The ADV announced that it will better coordinate its members in the upcoming talks with the federal government. The goal is a joint position paper that consolidates the economic policy demands of Germany's air transport location and is to be submitted to the responsible ministries in autumn.

Until then, airports and airlines expect demand to remain subdued. According to the ADV, the lowered passenger forecast serves as a binding basis for the budget planning of the affiliated airport companies until the end of the current fiscal year.