In January 2025, Frankfurt Airport recorded a decline in passenger numbers compared to the same month last year. With a total of 3,9 million travelers at the international airport, which is considered one of the most important hubs in Europe, the number fell by 3,1 percent. The decline was mainly due to cuts in flight offerings by the Lufthansa Group. While this airline reduced its capacity, a large number of other airlines increased their flights. This was also reflected in the overall development of the Fraport portfolio, which, despite the negative figures in Frankfurt, also recorded positive developments at other airports.
Passenger numbers at the various airports actively managed by the German company Fraport were mixed overall in January 2025. The development in Frankfurt, the company's largest and most important airport, shows that changes in air traffic continue to have a strong impact on the overall picture. The number of passengers decreased by more than 100.000 travelers compared to January 2024, driven in particular by the Lufthansa Group's restraint and capacity adjustments. Such behavior is not unusual and reflects the uncertain economic conditions that continue to force many airlines to adjust their flight schedules.
At the same time, Frankfurt Airport remains relatively stable in terms of total movements. The number of aircraft movements stood at 30.938 takeoffs and landings, representing a slight decrease of only 0,4 percent compared to January 2024. This shows that the airport still has a high level of activity overall, even if the number of passengers is not seeing the same increase. In the international aviation markets, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and rising operating costs are still being felt, which is reflected in airlines' flight schedules.
Cargo volume at Frankfurt Airport in January amounted to 148.321 tonnes, a decrease of 3,9 percent compared to the same month last year. Here, too, the effects of declining transport volumes due to the ongoing difficult global economic situation and general uncertainty on international markets can be seen. Increased competition and rising logistics and air freight costs have reduced demand for air freight transport.
However, a look at Fraport's international portfolio also shows positive developments at some airports. Lima Airport in Peru, for example, experienced an increase of 9,2 percent to around 2,2 million passengers. This increase can be attributed to the stability and confidence in the Peruvian economy as well as the country's increasing popularity as a tourist destination. Antalya Airport in Turkey also recorded a significant increase, with an increase of 4,0 percent to around 1 million passengers, indicating the increasing popularity of the Turkish holiday destination.
In contrast, airports in Bulgaria, specifically the coastal airports of Burgas and Varna, recorded a decline of 6,8 percent, possibly reflecting seasonal fluctuations and general uncertainty in European travel. Similarly, passenger traffic fell at Ljubljana Airport in Slovenia, which fell by 3,4 percent, indicating reduced demand and a potentially saturated market.
In summary, the Fraport Group can report an overall stable performance of its international airport portfolio despite the challenges at Frankfurt Airport. The company is well positioned in various markets and reacts flexibly to changing market conditions. However, the decline in passenger numbers in Frankfurt due to internal fluctuations, particularly the reduction in Lufthansa flights, is a clear indication of the impact of global economic uncertainty on air traffic. The fluctuating cargo volumes and the different results at international airports also indicate that the industry is continuing to adapt to the changed global conditions.
However, the total number of passengers at all airports actively managed by Fraport increased by 0,7 percent to around 9 million travelers. This slight increase shows that the airport operator is performing well in a globally competitive environment, even if specific airports in the Fraport portfolio face fluctuating passenger numbers. The growth trend therefore remains positive, even if air traffic continues to face challenges.
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