Klagenfurt Airport can look back on a highly successful year in 2025. With a 27,2 percent increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year, the Carinthian airport achieved its strongest performance in over a decade. Alongside the positive development in scheduled and charter traffic, the company recorded significant growth in aircraft movements and general aviation.
This dynamic is the result of targeted network expansion and the successful reintegration of renowned airlines into the flight schedule. In addition to core operations, strategic decisions took center stage last year, particularly regarding large-scale real estate and land development on the airport grounds. For the current fiscal year 2026, airport management plans to further increase flight frequencies and develop new destinations to secure Carinthia's long-term connections to international economic centers and tourism markets.
Significant increase in traffic figures in the financial year 2025
The 2025 figures clearly demonstrate the airport's recovery and expansion. A total of 175.347 passengers used Klagenfurt Airport's infrastructure, representing an increase of more than a quarter compared to the previous year. The summer months proved particularly busy, delivering the best results in the last twelve years. This upswing is also reflected in the number of takeoffs and landings: Scheduled and charter flights increased by 20,4 percent to a total of 2.114. The private and business aviation segment, also known as general aviation, contributed to the positive overall results with a 7 percent increase to 3.059 passengers.
A key factor in this development was the return of Eurowings. The connection to Cologne/Bonn Airport created a direct link to the affluent market in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is highly relevant for both domestic tourism and local businesses. Similarly, the low-cost carrier Ryanair strengthened its presence at the airport. By increasing flights to five per week to Palma de Mallorca, the airline addressed the high demand in the holiday segment. The figures confirm that the combination of tourist destinations and connections to major economic centers provides the necessary stability for the airport's growth.
Strategic area development and modernization of infrastructure
Beyond operational flight operations, the management under Maximilian Wildt laid the groundwork in 2025 for comprehensive economic development of the site. With approximately 420.000 square meters, the airport possesses enormous land reserves, which have now been made available for investment projects through a Europe-wide tender. The aim of this development is to broaden the economic base of the location by attracting businesses and granting long-term leases. The immediate proximity to the state capital and the existing transport connections make these areas highly sought-after properties for commercial investors.
In parallel, various construction projects were initiated to modernize the existing infrastructure. The primary focus here is on optimizing service quality for passengers and system partners. The modernization measures encompass both terminal-adjacent facilities and operational systems to meet the demands of contemporary airport management. These investments in the airport's infrastructure are essential to maintain competitiveness against rival regional airports in the Alps-Adriatic region.
Military relevance and new usage concepts
An interesting aspect of the site's use is the increased military presence. Since spring 2025, the Austrian Armed Forces have repeatedly deployed Eurofighter jets temporarily to Klagenfurt Airport. This underscores the strategic importance of Carinthia's infrastructure for national airspace surveillance and military logistics. The airport's technical equipment and runway lengths enable the smooth execution of such demanding operations, demonstrating the site's versatility.
At the same time, the airport increasingly opened itself up to social and cultural events. The use of the grounds for events such as TEDxKlagenfurt or collaborations with the Gustav Mahler Private University demonstrates that the infrastructure can be used economically and effectively beyond flight operations. Major sporting events like the Airport Night Run, which attracted over 1.500 participants, position the airport as an integral part of regional leisure activities. This diversification of revenue streams and uses contributes to the overall attractiveness of the location.
Outlook on the 2026 flight program
Plans for 2026 are already well advanced and foresee a further increase in air traffic. The partnership with Austrian Airlines remains a central pillar of the location strategy. With up to 13 weekly direct flights to the Vienna hub, passengers from Carinthia will have access to a global network of over 80 destinations. The short transfer times in Vienna are a decisive location advantage, especially for business travelers.
In addition, Eurowings will expand its service to Cologne to three weekly flights starting in summer 2026. Ryanair is also increasing its service to London to three flights per week, while the popular route to Palma de Mallorca will continue to be served frequently with five flights per week. In the charter segment, the Greece specialist Springer Reisen is setting new standards and doubling its program. In addition to the already established destinations of Paros and Naxos, Skiathos will also be served directly from 2026. Furthermore, a direct connection to Hamburg will be added to the portfolio in the winter flight schedule, which is particularly important for inbound tourism.
Economic stimulus for the Carinthia region
Klagenfurt Airport serves as an indispensable gateway to the Carinthian economy. Current developments demonstrate that targeted investments in the route network and infrastructure are bearing fruit. The integration of scheduled services, charter flights, military use, and event management is generating broad added value. Furthermore, the Europe-wide tender for development areas offers the opportunity to establish the airport as a modern economic center that extends far beyond its function as a mere transport hub.
Continuing close cooperation with partners from aviation, business, and tourism is considered crucial for future success. With the planned increase in flight frequencies on major airlines and the development of new niche markets in the charter sector, Klagenfurt Airport is positioning itself robustly for the coming years. The goal remains a continuous increase in the airport's attractiveness as a location, in order to be a reliable and modern partner in southern Austria for both passengers and investors.