Salzburg Airport WA Mozart concluded the 2025 financial year with a stable operating balance sheet and is now preparing for a comprehensive modernization phase as well as its 100th anniversary in 2026. Despite a slight decrease in passenger numbers to just under 1,8 million, the airport recorded a slight increase in the economically relevant maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), indicating the use of larger and more efficient aircraft types.
With an investment volume of around eight million euros last year, key projects in the areas of security, digitalization, and infrastructure were advanced. A particular focus is the comprehensive modernization of the terminal area, for which over 100 million euros have been budgeted by 2033. As Austria's second-largest airport and a significant economic driver for the region, providing around 1.300 jobs at the site, the airport is consolidating its role as critical infrastructure and a central gateway for tourism in the Alpine region. For the current winter season and the upcoming anniversary year of 2026, management anticipates strong demand, especially on peak days in February.
Operational indicators and economic development
In direct comparison to the previous year, the 2025 financial results present a mixed picture of the post-pandemic recovery. While passenger numbers declined by 0,71 percent to 1.774.454, the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) increased by 0,26 percent to 520.589 tons. This figure is crucial for fee revenue and thus for the operator's financial success. The number of aircraft movements also developed positively: Commercial air traffic saw an increase of 2,71 percent to 14.747 takeoffs and landings, while general aviation (GAC) grew by 3,05 percent to over 40.000 movements. Only the cargo sector recorded a decline, falling by 1,76 percent to 9.307 tons, which is in line with global logistics trends.
The management team under Bettina Ganghofer considers the result a success in a highly competitive European market. Competing against approximately 600 other airports in Europe, the main focus is on securing existing routes and strategically expanding flight frequencies. The goal remains an attractive destination portfolio that offers reliable connections to international hubs such as Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Dubai, benefiting both regional tourism and the local economy.
Investment program and modernization of the terminals
A key pillar of the strategy is the major terminal modernization project, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027. In the current planning phase, €2,5 million has already been invested in the project. The vision is to architecturally and technically merge the main terminal, dating from 1966, with Amadeus Terminal 2. This measure is essential, as the existing building structure can no longer fully meet the increasing demands of modern security technology and legal requirements. A crucial factor here is the Europe-wide Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires significantly more space and specialized technical infrastructure for border control.
In addition to the building construction projects, the airport invested heavily in technical equipment and security in 2025. One million euros was spent on commissioning the EES system, while the airport fire brigade received a state-of-the-art fire engine for around 510.000 euros. The remediation of PFAS contamination in the groundwater remains a costly undertaking: of the 12 million euros in total costs incurred so far, one million euros were spent in the past year. Smaller but strategically important expenditures included the IT infrastructure of the data center, the expansion of photovoltaic systems, and the conversion of the vehicle fleet to electric drives.
The airport's importance to the state of Salzburg is underscored by its role as an employer. Around 1.300 people are directly employed at the site, over 450 of them as permanent staff members of the airport operator itself. Supervisory Board Chairman Stefan Schnöll emphasizes that excellent connections to international hubs are indispensable for Salzburg's economy. The airport serves not only as a transportation hub but also as a calling card for arriving guests and as a lifeline for tourism. In an environment characterized by a shortage of skilled workers, the airport positions itself as an attractive employer with modern working conditions and an above-average employee health rate.
Winter season and forecast for the Mozart Year 2026
Management is optimistic about the current 2025/26 winter season. Germany remains the most important source market for flights to Salzburg, followed by Great Britain and Scandinavia. The so-called "Half Term Holidays" in England generate a significant peak in demand in February. February 14th and 21st, in particular, are expected to be the absolute peak days of the season, with approximately 180 flight movements each. The strong booking situation in the Alpine regions suggests a robust tourism result, which should be further boosted by additional factors such as the upcoming Mozart Year in 2026.
In its 2026 summer flight schedule, the airport will once again focus on a mix of established hub connections and attractive holiday destinations. Frankfurt will be served up to four times daily, and Istanbul up to twice daily by Turkish Airlines. Connections to London will also remain stable with daily flights to Gatwick and regular services to Stansted. In the holiday segment, Greece will be the focus, with numerous island connections, complemented by strong capacity to Palma de Mallorca and year-round destinations such as Dubai and Hurghada.
A century of aviation history in Salzburg
The year 2026 marks a historic milestone: For 100 years, the airport has served as the gateway to the world for the Salzburg region. Founded in 1926, the site has developed from a modest landing strip into a modern transport hub.
To mark its anniversary on June 20, 2026, Salzburg Airport invites everyone to a grand open house. Together with partners such as the Austrian Armed Forces, the police, and various aviation companies, this anniversary will be celebrated as a festival for the public. Governor Karoline Edtstadler praised the airport as a key enterprise and a crucial factor in attracting new businesses, having successfully maintained its position despite turbulent times in global air traffic.