Français »
German "
Search
May 27

More articles from the category

May 27

Personnel changes at the top of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG

Amely Mizzi 27 May 2026 19:05

Hiltrud Werner, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG (MFAG), has announced her resignation from the top position on the supervisory board. After five years in office, the 60-year-old manager, who previously served on the Volkswagen board of management responsible for integrity and legal affairs, will not stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on June 18, 2026. Werner explained her decision by citing the personal strain of other mandates and the necessary long-term commitment that another five-year term would have required. Under her leadership, key strategic decisions were made for Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports. Werner's tenure was largely characterized by the financial consolidation and the initiated restructuring program of the airport group. MFAG, in which the Free State of Saxony and the State of Saxony-Anhalt hold stakes, faced considerable economic challenges in recent years. Werner oversaw the restructuring process, which aims to secure the profitability of the two Saxon locations. Particularly at the Leipzig/Halle freight hub, extensive infrastructure measures were coordinated under her supervision to solidify its position as one of Europe's leading logistics locations. Speculation is already rife regarding potential candidates from regional politics and business for her successor on June 18, with the decision being significantly influenced by the main shareholders, the Free State of Saxony and the State of Saxony-Anhalt. The task of the future chairman will be to continue the established restructuring path and strengthen the airports' competitiveness against rivals both domestically and internationally. In initial reactions, MFAG emphasized Werner's contributions to the professionalization of the supervisory board's work and the stabilization of the company's management during the [period/period].

Continue reading "

Arrest of a fugitive Swiss citizen at Munich Airport

Stephen Steiner 27 May 2026 18:07

Federal police officers arrested a 31-year-old Swiss national at Munich Airport last Saturday immediately after his arrival. The man was wanted by Swiss authorities on an international arrest warrant. His criminal record includes serious offenses, including multiple counts of rape, aggravated assault, and various drug offenses. In Switzerland, he had already been sentenced to more than six years in prison, a sentence he evaded by fleeing abroad. The successful arrest was based on precise digital monitoring of international air traffic. The Federal Police used the Passenger Data Database (PDD), which compares passenger data for security purposes. This data transmission allowed the officers to trace the Swiss man's travel route without gaps. He originally traveled from Thailand and made stopovers in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi before reaching the Bavarian capital. Because the officers were informed of his arrival before landing, they were able to apprehend him directly on the tarmac as soon as the aircraft reached its parking position. Following his arrest, the convicted man was transferred to Landshut Prison for further legal proceedings. He is currently being held there in extradition custody. The Munich Public Prosecutor's Office is now reviewing the formal extradition procedure to transfer the prisoner to the Swiss justice system as soon as possible. There, he is to begin serving his multi-year prison sentence. This case underscores the close security cooperation within the Schengen Area and the effectiveness of cross-border search systems in apprehending serious criminals. According to authorities, the arrest proceeded without incident. For Munich Airport, arresting individuals on board aircraft is standard procedure.

Continue reading "

Increased operational volume for Eurowings at Stuttgart Airport

Stephen Steiner 27 May 2026 17:09

Flight operations at Stuttgart Airport on Whit Monday were marked by two unforeseen incidents involving the airline Eurowings. In the morning, an Airbus A320, flight EW2516 en route to Bilbao, had to turn back shortly after takeoff. The reason for the aborted climb was a technical warning indicator in the cockpit signaling irregularities in the landing gear. In accordance with applicable safety regulations, the crew opted for an immediate return to the departure airport, where the aircraft landed safely just under 30 minutes after takeoff. The 157 passengers were later able to continue their journey on a replacement aircraft. Parallel to this technical incident, a medical emergency occurred on board another Eurowings aircraft in the evening. Flight EW2587, arriving from Palma de Mallorca, requested medical assistance even before landing. A passenger had complained of acute illness during the flight, whereupon the cockpit crew, as is standard procedure, contacted the emergency services on the ground. After the Airbus A320 touched down in Stuttgart, the affected passenger was immediately taken into the care of paramedics and transported to a hospital. The remaining 160 passengers were able to leave the aircraft without further delay. These incidents are part of a pattern of technical and medical incidents that particularly challenge the logistics of airlines and airport operators during peak travel periods like Pentecost. Experts emphasize in this context that warning indicators, such as the one on the Bilbao aircraft, are often preventative in nature and do not necessarily indicate a mechanical defect, but are frequently triggered by sensor malfunctions. Nevertheless, the safety protocol generally stipulates a landing in such situations.

Continue reading "

Bratislava is gaining market share compared to the high-price location of Vienna.

Stephen Steiner 27 May 2026 16:37

The shift in the balance of power in Central European air traffic is gaining momentum. While Bratislava Airport is experiencing record growth rates of 148 percent in the first quarter due to a massive expansion of Ryanair's services, Vienna, a major tourist destination, is facing increasing structural challenges. The Austrian Travel Agency Association, part of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, is issuing urgent warnings that the rising tax burden in Austria – particularly the air passenger tax and the planned increase in the city tax – is jeopardizing the competitiveness of the capital. Located in close geographical proximity, Bratislava and Vienna are becoming a prime example of the fierce price competition in the aviation industry. Experts fear that the artificial increase in costs in Austria will not only affect airlines and airports, but will have far-reaching negative consequences for the entire tourism value chain, from hotels to regional suppliers. The expansion of low-cost carriers in the neighboring country: The decision by the Irish airline Ryanair to massively expand its operations at Bratislava Airport sends a strategic signal to the entire industry. Bratislava benefits from a cost structure significantly lower than that of Vienna-Schwechat Airport. Ryanair has been calling for the abolition of the Austrian air passenger tax, currently levied at €12 per ticket, for some time. Since this tax is imposed regardless of route length or ticket price, it severely impacts the business model of low-cost carriers. In Bratislava, however, carriers find conditions that allow for aggressive pricing. Gregor Kadanka, chairman of the Austrian Travel Agency Association, sees this development as a clear warning sign. The figures speak for themselves: While Bratislava in the first quarter of 2026

Continue reading "

Price decrease for long-distance travel due to normalization of the flight market in the Gulf region

Amely Mizzi 27 May 2026 16:01

The cost of long-haul flights from German airports is currently trending downwards, provided that connections via major hubs in the Middle East are included in travel plans. According to a recent market analysis by the portal Vivido, the average price premium for non-stop long-haul flights in the Gulf region has fallen from 17 percent to 13 percent. This development is largely due to the lifting of travel warnings for key transit locations such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. During the warning periods, airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad were forced to drastically reduce their fares to maintain stable capacity despite safety concerns. With the normalization of the travel situation, the pricing structures of international airlines are converging again. This effect is particularly evident for holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean. For example, the price advantage for flights via the Gulf hubs to Mauritius has decreased from around 23 percent to approximately 10 percent. A significant convergence of prices for direct and connecting flights to the Seychelles has also been observed. In contrast, routes to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Nepal, continue to show significant price differences of over 20 percent, indicating persistently strong demand and limited capacity on direct flights. In addition to pricing, the availability of alternative travel options has also improved. While the percentage of days with no reasonable connections outside the Gulf region was previously almost 14 percent, this figure dropped to ten percent after the travel warnings were lifted. Nevertheless, the geographical location of the departure airport within Germany remains a crucial factor influencing costs. For example, travelers departing from Düsseldorf are

Continue reading "

RegioJet launches expanded bus service to the Croatian Adriatic coast

Amely Mizzi 27 May 2026 15:39

The Czech transport company RegioJet will officially launch its summer season to Croatia on Friday, May 29, 2026. The first of its distinctive yellow long-distance coaches will depart from Prague's Florenc bus station bound for Split. Despite global economic challenges and significantly increased fuel prices, the company is pursuing an aggressive pricing strategy, keeping fares stable at last year's level. Faced with significantly increased demand and already fully booked dates at the start of the holiday season, RegioJet is expanding its services this year with a second route specifically targeting the northern Adriatic coast. With state-of-the-art vehicle technology and comprehensive onboard services, the company is positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to air and private travel, efficiently transporting the growing influx of tourists from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria to coastal destinations. Expansion and new routes: The launch last Friday marks just the beginning of a phased capacity expansion. In the first phase, until mid-June, the buses will run three times a week on the main route via Brno and Bratislava. From June 12th, the frequency of service will be significantly increased: the connection to southern Croatia will then operate daily. The route includes a total of nine stops, among them key tourist hubs such as Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir, and the final destination, Split. This logistical approach allows travelers to reach the holiday resorts directly without having to change trains. In addition to the daily operation of the main route, RegioJet will introduce a second, independent bus line on June 12, 2026. This new service will depart from Prague in the early evening and, via Bratislava, serve the northern coastal regions around Rijeka and Crikvenica. This diversification of the route network

Continue reading "

Centenary of the Rax cable car in Lower Austria

Amely Mizzi 27 May 2026 15:07

The Rax cable car in the Vienna Alps will celebrate its 100th anniversary in the summer of 2026 as Austria's first passenger aerial tramway. The official start of the anniversary season will be marked by a public day on June 12, 2026, offering visitors a detailed look at the technology and history of the system. Opened in 1926, the cable car is considered a pioneering piece of engineering from the interwar period and overcomes an altitude difference of 1.017 meters over a distance of approximately 2.160 meters. The valley station is located in Hirschwang an der Rax, from where the cabins reach the high plateau at an altitude of 1.546 meters in just a few minutes. As part of the event program, guided tours of the engine room and the control center will be offered to illustrate the mechanical processes of the cable car's operation. Historically, the construction of the cable car was a logistical masterpiece that significantly contributed to the development of tourism in the Rax Alps. In addition to technical demonstrations, the anniversary celebrations include various interactive stations, film presentations, and a special post office. Operating hours have been extended until 20:00 p.m. for guests, and a special fare allows access at significantly reduced prices compared to regular operating hours. Beyond the technical aspects, the anniversary also highlights the region's cultural significance. On the plateau, the themed station "Pioneers & Free Spirits" documents the connection between prominent figures such as Sigmund Freud and Viktor Frankl and the Rax mountain. This historical exploration is complemented by interactive elements and sculptures. Since its modernization in the 1970s and subsequent technical upgrades, the Rax cable car has become a key infrastructure facility in southern Lower Austria, recording high passenger numbers annually and playing a vital role in regional tourism.

Continue reading "

Skyhub PAD will cease flight operations in June 2026

Jan Gruber 27 May 2026 14:24

The regional air traffic initiative Skyhub PAD will cease operations entirely on June 10, 2026. As the company officially announced, a combination of drastically increased operating costs, the economic impact of the Iran nuclear deal on fuel prices, and insufficient demand made this step unavoidable. This brings to an end an ambitious project that only launched in September 2025 to better connect Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport to international hubs. Despite broad support from the regional business community and an expansion of the route network to locations such as Lübeck and Pécs, the financial stability of the model could not be maintained under the changed geopolitical and economic conditions. The decision marks a turning point for the infrastructure in East Westphalia-Lippe and raises fundamental questions about the future viability of privately financed regional air traffic concepts in Germany. Background and Genesis of an Economic Initiative: Skyhub PAD was born in March 2025, when 36 prominent companies and individuals joined forces to independently revive the neglected connection between Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport and the Munich hub. After major airlines reduced their operations at smaller airports, regional stakeholders recognized the need to take action themselves to ensure accessibility for customers and business partners in the East Westphalia-Lippe region. The model was based on close cooperation with the Danish airline DAT (Danish Air Transport), which acted as the operational partner. Interest in the initiative grew significantly within a short time. Several capital increases brought the number of shareholders to a total of 103. This underscored the high priority that local industry placed on air transport connections. With the inclusion of the

Continue reading "

Introduction of the Taxibot system at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Belinda Borg 27 May 2026 14:08

EasyJet, in cooperation with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, has integrated so-called taxibots into regular flight operations. Following a successful trial phase in the spring, three Airbus A320neo aircraft will now be permanently equipped with this technology. A taxibot is a specialized, semi-automated towing vehicle manufactured by Smart Airport Systems that transports aircraft from the gate to the runway. During this process, the aircraft's main engines remain switched off, as only the auxiliary power unit (APU) is used for onboard power and hydraulics. The deployment is particularly significant on the Polderbaan, the furthest runway at Amsterdam Airport. Taxiing times to this runway can take up to 15 minutes, which under conventional conditions translates into considerable fuel consumption. The taxibot enables speeds of up to 42 kilometers per hour, while the pilot retains full control of the brakes and steering in the cockpit. The engines are only started immediately before takeoff, after the tug has been uncoupled and an employee has driven the vehicle back to the terminal area. The project is funded by the European research program SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) and is part of a broader modernization of ground traffic management. In addition to EasyJet, other partners such as Airbus, Menzies Aviation, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines are involved in the initiative. Technical data shows that eliminating engine use during taxiing saves an average of 95 kilograms of fuel per flight. Extrapolating this to the entire airport operation, those responsible predict a reduction in kerosene consumption during taxiing phases.

Continue reading "

Klagenfurt Airport: Proposal for share transfer sparks discussion

Jan Gruber 27 May 2026 13:30

The state capital of Klagenfurt faces a far-reaching decision regarding its future role as a shareholder in Klagenfurt Airport. In light of an impending capital increase totaling €11,8 million, initiated by the Carinthian Investment Management Company (K-BV), the city is confronted with the need to raise approximately €2,3 million in the short term to maintain its 20 percent stake. Given a tight budget situation, the People's Party has now presented an alternative plan that proposes transferring the shares to the State of Carinthia. This proposal stipulates that the city would relinquish its active financing obligations by paying a land transfer tax of approximately €500.000, while simultaneously securing a 20 percent share of the profits from future land sales. This is intended to minimize the financial risk to the city budget without foregoing the long-term revenue potential of the valuable airport land. Financial Shortages and the Need for a Capital Increase: Klagenfurt Airport has been undergoing restructuring for some time. Following the withdrawal of investor Franz Peter Orasch and his Lilihill Group as majority shareholders after the State of Carinthia exercised its call option, responsibility for operations and necessary investments has largely reverted to public ownership. The Carinthian Investment Management currently holds 80 percent of the shares, while the City of Klagenfurt holds the remaining 20 percent. To secure flight operations in the long term and to advance necessary maintenance and modernization of the terminal and infrastructure, a substantial capital injection is required. The general meeting on June 3, 2026, marks a critical juncture in this process. By this date, the City of Klagenfurt would need to raise the necessary capital.

Continue reading "