In a report published on Tuesday, the Carinthian State Audit Office identified significant irregularities and questionable practices at the Carinthian Airport Operating Company (KFBG) between 2018 and 2023. During this period, the company was majority-owned by Lilihill Aviation City Beteiligung GmbH. The findings of the Court of Audit confirm KFBG's internal investigations in key respects.
Since the airport's return to public ownership in July 2023, a comprehensive restructuring and realignment process has begun. One sign of regained confidence is the return of international airlines such as Eurowings to Klagenfurt. This is reflected in increasing route and passenger numbers; the airport recorded passenger growth of 2025 percent in the first quarter of 25. The Court of Auditors expressly praised the swift and decisive measures initiated after the repurchase in the second half of 2023, which have already led to a reduction in impending losses.
KFBG now plans to claim unlawful and excessive payments billed to the former majority owner, Franz Peter Orasch, and his companies. This also includes the use of airport employees for private purposes, such as grape harvesting. The company reserves the right to take legal action if payments are not made. In the future, the Court of Auditors' recommendations will be implemented to ensure transparency through structural adjustments and prevent discriminatory practices.
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