With a new passenger record and far-reaching modernization projects, Dortmund Airport is looking back on an eventful year in 2024. The most recent meeting of the Supervisory Board took stock of the traffic figures and looked ahead to the coming year. Despite the challenges posed, in particular by restrictions on flight operations by Ryanair and Eurowings, the airport presented itself as resilient and future-oriented.
The development of passenger volume was the focus of the presentation by airport managing director Ludger van Bebber. With 3,1 million travelers expected by the end of 2024, the airport has exceeded the three million mark for the first time in its history. The previous record of 2,93 million passengers from 2023 was thus significantly exceeded.
"We look back on a turbulent but overall very successful year," explained van Bebber. The month of October was particularly outstanding, with 321.164 passengers making it the busiest month in the history of the airport. The emotional highlight of the year, welcoming the three millionth passenger in December, also underlines the success of Dortmund Airport.
The positive development was achieved despite difficult conditions. In the second quarter of the year, the short-term reduction in Wizz Air's offering due to engine problems on the Pratt & Whitney aircraft led to a slight decline in traffic figures. However, with the return of the repaired aircraft in the autumn, passenger numbers rose again significantly.
Withdrawal of Ryanair and Eurowings: Challenges for 2025
A key issue for the coming year is the structural changes in the route network. Both Ryanair and Eurowings have announced that they will be significantly reducing their involvement in Dortmund. Ryanair is withdrawing completely from the site, while Eurowings is cancelling some connections. This is due to increased government taxes and a reorientation of the airlines' business policies.
But the airport is determined to close these gaps. Extensive frequency increases and new routes are intended to compensate for the withdrawals. "Our very ambitious goal is to achieve the passenger volume of 2024 in 2025 as well," emphasized van Bebber. Concrete details on new routes and airlines that will start in Dortmund will be announced in the coming months.
modernization and infrastructure projects
In addition to passenger development, important infrastructure projects were also on the agenda of the supervisory board meeting. The reconstruction of the passenger bridges at positions 3 and 4 was approved. These measures are intended not only to shorten check-in times, but also to improve comfort for passengers and airlines alike.
Currently, only the front cabin doors of the aircraft are accessible via the bridges, which lengthens the boarding and deboarding process. With a planned extension of the bridges, which will allow access to both cabin doors, the airport is responding to the requirements of modern airlines and creating a more flexible use of the aircraft positions.
Further planned investments focus on improving operational processes. These include the purchase of new electrically operated handling equipment and the modernization of the apron lighting.
Importance of the airport for the region
By successfully exceeding the three million mark, Dortmund Airport underlines its role as an important transport hub in the Ruhr region. Thanks to its convenient location, excellent connections to the surrounding cities and the growing variety of international travel destinations, the airport holds a key position in regional air traffic.
The expansions and investments are not only intended to secure the airport's position, but also to provide new growth impulses. In particular, the planned closing of gaps in the route network will determine whether Dortmund can continue its successful course in 2025.
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