The German Airport Association (ADV) in Berlin has published the first results of its latest passenger survey, which show that destination traffic at German airports has reached a historic low. While the share of incoming passengers, i.e., those travelers who visited Germany by plane, rose to 2017 percent of total passenger traffic until 32, this share has now fallen to just 21 percent. The ADV sees this as a clear sign of inadequate services in Germany.
ADV Managing Director Ralph Beisel warned that Germany must recognize that any strengthening of air transport contributes to greater prosperity and growth. He pointed to Sweden, where the air travel tax was abolished, and emphasized the importance of European and intercontinental guests for German tourism. The 2024 survey shows that Germany, once an attractive travel destination, has experienced a downward trend since the pandemic. The federal government must also consider air transport in its efforts to strengthen Germany's attractiveness as a travel destination.
The survey also revealed that private travelers represent the largest group in air travel, accounting for four out of five passengers. The share of vacation and recreational trips grew moderately compared to the previous ten years. Growth in private travel is primarily driven by visits to friends and relatives, as well as city trips, events, and cultural trips. The share of business trips, on the other hand, has fallen by 2014 percentage points to just 15 percent since 20. The most important means of transport to the airport remains the car, at 48 percent. The facilities at airports, particularly restaurants and shopping opportunities, are very popular. For the comprehensive representative passenger survey, over 125.000 departing passengers at German airports were interviewed last year.
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