Klagenfurt Airport (Carinthia) is initiating a comprehensive strategic development of the site. The airport operating company is launching Europe-wide tenders for the development of over 420.000 square meters of high-quality space on the airport grounds.
The aim of this initiative is to attract forward-looking projects that will significantly strengthen the airport's economic position and position it as a catalyst for regional innovation. The utilization of these large, currently non-operational properties offers investors a rare opportunity in Central Europe: the development of sites with potential connections to the runway of an international commercial airport.
Strategic importance for the Carinthian economy
Klagenfurt Airport (KLU) sees itself as a central pillar of the regional infrastructure and contributes significantly to Carinthia's economic development. The land now made available offers considerable potential for investments that go beyond pure flight operations.
The great attractiveness of the properties results from their transport location:
- In the immediate vicinity of the Carinthian state capital.
- Direct connection to the A2 motorway (South Motorway), which connects Klagenfurt with Graz and Vienna.
- The possibility of a future rail connection that would optimize the intermodal connection of transport modes.
Experts see the strategic positioning of airports as multifunctional commercial centers as an international trend. The development of so-called "airport cities" or "airport regions" creates jobs and generates additional revenue for the operating companies, strengthening the financial basis for flight operations. For Klagenfurt, attracting businesses represents an important pillar for stabilizing long-term operations.
Transparency through European tendering
The sites available for development are located in the south, north, and southeast of the airport site. To ensure maximum transparency and fair competition, the airport operating company opted for a Europe-wide tender process. This step ensures that national and international investors have equal opportunity to submit their concepts for the development of the site.
The tenders cover various types of use:
- Areas with concrete, already defined uses, such as the establishment of a supermarket and the construction of a hotel, which are intended to improve the infrastructure for passengers and local businesses.
- Large-scale properties for development and long-term use, offering space for future-oriented industries and innovative projects.
An important detail is that the properties will not be sold but will remain the property of the airport operating company. This suggests the granting of long-term leases (building rights or hereditary leases), allowing the airport to retain strategic control over the development of the site and secure ongoing revenues.
Opportunity for logistics and technology
The unique opportunity for a direct connection to the runway makes the areas particularly attractive for companies in the air freight, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) or light industry sectors that rely on the rapid handling of goods or specialized flight activities.
Historically, Klagenfurt Airport has at times struggled with challenges in scheduled air traffic. The current strategy significantly expands its economic base beyond passenger traffic. By positioning itself as a driving force and commercial hub, the airport is reducing its dependence on fluctuating revenues from scheduled air traffic.
For the Carinthian region, attracting new companies represents an important opportunity to create skilled jobs and strengthen the regional economic cycle. The airport operating company is thus utilizing the site's untapped resources to increase the overall profitability and strategic relevance of the KLU within the Central European air transport network. Expectations for the submitted concepts are likely to be high, especially since decision-makers are hoping for forward-looking and sustainable utilization concepts.