Graz Airport: On course for growth in a saturated market
Graz Airport is at the beginning of an exciting phase in which the course is being set for future growth and sustainable development. Although the aviation market in Europe is largely saturated, Graz Airport is showing positive signs and is looking to the future with optimism. While the global aviation industry is growing slowly and expanding dynamically, especially in Asia, Europe is struggling with stable but limited growth rates. Wolfgang Grimus, Managing Director of Graz Airport, explained the airport's current developments, challenges and visions for the future in an interview with the Kronen Zeitung. Growth prospects and passenger numbers Despite a global decline in the rate of growth in the aviation industry due to the corona pandemic, there is reason for optimism at Graz Airport. With 733.146 passengers last year and freight volume of 19.379 tons, the airport is showing that it has a solid foundation on which to build. Grimus emphasizes that Graz Airport is continuing to grow and estimates that the one million passenger mark could possibly be reached by 2027. This optimism is supported by the ongoing demand for the existing flight connections to major transfer airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Zurich. These connections are essential for Graz Airport as they give passengers access to global networks and thus numerous international destinations. Desired destinations and non-stop routes Grimus is ambitious with regard to future developments. He names London, Paris and Barcelona as desired destinations for direct flights. These cities are not only culturally and economically important, but also important hubs in international air traffic. The introduction of such connections would not only increase the attractiveness of Graz Airport, but