The aviation industry in Germany is facing a serious challenge: the sharp increase in location costs is making flying increasingly unaffordable for passengers and freight companies.
According to a recent analysis by the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG), Germany is in danger of falling behind in air transport compared to other European countries. The dramatic increase in costs is mainly due to high government fees, which have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Against this background, associations and experts are calling for a fundamental political turnaround to ensure the competitiveness of Germany as an aviation location and to promote the mobility of citizens and trade in goods.
Increase in location costs: A look at the numbers
The numbers speak for themselves: the location costs at German commercial airports have increased by up to 2019 percent in some cases between 2024 and 97. One example is the Airbus A320, whose location costs have almost doubled during this period. According to the German Aerospace Center (DLR), these costs represent a massive competitive disadvantage and endanger the recovery of the industry.
The burdens affecting the aviation industry are manifold. The main cost drivers are the air traffic tax, fees for aviation security and air traffic control, and the planned quotas for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In particular, the increase in the air traffic tax by 24 percent in spring 2024 and the upcoming increases in aviation security fees of up to 50 percent from 2025 have caused concern in the industry. The fees charged by the German air traffic control authority have also increased by an impressive 2019 percent since 118, which is further driving up costs for airlines and passengers.
In European comparison: Germany at the bottom
The high location costs make Germany one of the most expensive aviation locations in Europe. A recent analysis shows that costs in Germany can be up to 18 times higher than in other European countries. This means that airlines and cargo companies are increasingly choosing alternative airports in neighboring countries to save costs. The loss of connectivity and the restriction of the route network are the immediate consequences.
The effects are significant: While aviation in many European countries is already back to pre-coronavirus levels, Germany is lagging behind, reaching only 83 percent of the capacity offered in 2019. This situation not only endangers the mobility of citizens, but also has a negative impact on international trade and the competitiveness of the German economy.
The urgent need for political action
In view of these alarming developments, BARIG and the German Aviation Association (BDL) are calling for politicians to provide rapid and sustainable relief for the aviation industry. "Federal and state politicians are urgently called upon to provide financial relief - in the interests of the economy and the citizens," said Michael Hoppe, Chairman of BARIG. Many European countries have already recognized that air traffic is an important economic driver that must be promoted.
The shift of traffic to other European countries and the declining competitiveness of Germany as an aviation location also have a direct impact on citizens. Business trips are becoming more complicated and expensive, and general mobility is suffering. In addition, companies can no longer access global markets as easily, which is jeopardizing Germany's economic recovery.
The industry is ready for change
The aviation industry in Germany is at a critical point. The enormous cost increases not only pose a threat to companies, but also significantly restrict the mobility of citizens and the movement of goods. The need for action is obvious. Politicians must act quickly and consistently to improve the framework conditions and reduce location costs. "We are ready to hold discussions with the responsible authorities and find solutions," explains Hoppe.
In summary, aviation in Germany is not just a means of transport, but also an important part of the economy. Active political action could not only restore the industry's competitiveness, but also offer citizens the mobility they deserve. The time to act is now.