After a period of challenges, Klagenfurt Airport has ambitious plans to boost passenger traffic again in 2025. With an expanded route network, new destinations and extensive investments in infrastructure, the airport wants to establish itself as an important hub for tourism and the economy in the region.
Klagenfurt Airport has had turbulent years. In particular, the legacy of the previous owners and the loss of several important flight connections had a negative impact on passenger numbers. Although progress was made in 2024 through strategic realignment, passenger numbers fell short of expectations at around 138.000 passengers. This decline was mainly due to the difficult first quarter of 2024, which was still suffering greatly from the consequences of previous decisions.
However, with the takeover of the airport by the state of Carinthia and the city of Klagenfurt, important steps were taken towards a more economically stable future. The new managing director, Maximilian Wildt, has a clear vision: to strengthen the airport as a partner for the region and to ensure the sustainable development of flight connections.
Expansion of the route network
For 2025, Klagenfurt Airport is planning an extensive range of eight direct destinations. With a capacity of 250.000 seats, it is intended to appeal to both business and holiday travelers. The return and expansion of several connections is particularly pleasing:
- Austrian Airlines offers 13 weekly flights during off-peak hours between Klagenfurt and Vienna. In addition, the seasonal connection to Hamburg will be expanded in the winter flight schedule.
- Eurowings is resuming the route to Cologne and is planning two weekly flights from May 2025. This connection has been very successful in the past, as evidenced by the record numbers of 78.000 passengers in 2017.
- Ryanair expands connections to London (all year round), Alicante (summer) and Palma de Mallorca, with the latter being served up to five times a week.
- SkyAlps will fly twice a week to Hanover from May 2025, an important destination for business travelers and tourists.
- Avanti Air offers direct flights to Paros with Springer Reisen, which are particularly attractive for holidaymakers.
Overview of flight connections:
| Destination | airline/tour operator | Frequencies/flight days |
| Vienna | Austrian Airlines | 13 times a week |
| London (Stansted) | Ryanair | 2x per week, THURSDAY & SUNDAY, all year round |
| Hamburg | Austrian Airlines | 1x per week, Saturday, December-March |
| Alicante | Ryanair | 2x per week, FR & SO, April-October |
| Palma de Mallorca | Ryanair | Up to 5x per week (MON, WED, TH, SA, SUN) April-October |
| Cologne | Eurowings | 2x per week (Mon, Fri) from May |
| Hanover | SkyAlps/UKS Touristik | 2x per week (Mon, Thu) from May |
| Paros | Avanti Air/Springer Reisen | 1x per week (SA) May – October |
infrastructure projects and new opportunities
In addition to expanding the range of flights, Klagenfurt Airport is also investing in its infrastructure. Important projects such as the construction of a new base for the Ministry of the Interior, the construction of modern office and event space, and tenders for leased land are on the agenda. These measures are intended to strengthen the airport's economic base and open up new sources of income.
The terminal was modernized to increase comfort for passengers and visitors. With the opening of the “Udo & Roy” bistro, a new gastronomic offering was also created. The first “Airport Night Run” with over 1.000 participants also demonstrated the airport’s potential as an event location.
General aviation remains an important sector for Klagenfurt Airport. With almost 15.600 flight movements in 2024, the previous year's figure was almost maintained. This sector includes private and business flights, flight schools and operational flights.
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