Dortmund Airport recorded an increase in passenger numbers in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 676.987 travelers used the Ruhr region airport, representing an increase of 6,5 percent compared to the same period last year. The number of takeoffs and landings also increased by more than ten percent to 8163 flight movements. Despite weather-related cancellations and a one-day warning strike by the ver.di union, the airport reached its busiest month of the year to date in March, with almost 237.000 passengers.
Airport Managing Director Ludger van Bebber views the development as positive, but points to upcoming challenges. Since the start of the summer flight schedule, Ryanair has withdrawn from Dortmund, and Eurowings has reduced its range of destinations. This could slow growth in the coming months. Nevertheless, van Bebber remains optimistic that new connections and increased frequencies from Wizz Air, Pegasus Airlines, and Condor will help keep the route network attractive and stabilize passenger levels.
The air traffic trend at Dortmund Airport reflects the general trend of rising passenger numbers at German regional airports. Growing demand for direct European connections and increasing tourism traffic are key factors driving this development. The long-term impact of the loss of Ryanair and the reduced presence of Eurowings on the airport remains to be seen. The airport operators are committed to quickly compensating for lost volume through new partnerships with other airlines.
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