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Linz Airport 2024: Challenges and Outlook for 2025

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Linz Airport looks back on a year full of challenges and changes. Passenger volumes in particular were affected by unforeseen circumstances, but the airport is counting on positive developments in the coming year. The temporary suspension of the Linz-Frankfurt connection and bottlenecks in charter flight traffic posed significant hurdles in 2024. Nevertheless, those responsible are confident that the airport will recover and achieve growth in both passenger and cargo volumes in 2025.

Last year, Linz Airport recorded a total of 180.694 passengers - a decrease of 22,4 percent compared to 2023. This decrease was mainly caused by the temporary suspension of the important flight connection to Frankfurt and the limited availability of aircraft in charter traffic. The connection to Frankfurt is not only the airport's busiest route, but also an indispensable link to the Lufthansa Group's global network. In March 2024, this route had to be temporarily suspended due to a recall by the US aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. "That was a major setback for us," explains Norbert Draskovits, Managing Director of Linz Airport. "Not only because Frankfurt was our strongest connection, but also because we could not offer our passengers a direct connection to the Lufthansa Group's global network." The connection was only able to be resumed at the end of October, with three daily flights.

Another reason for the decline in passenger numbers was the limited capacity in charter flights. Due to aircraft shortages in the high season, many tour operators were unable to offer additional flights, which had a negative impact on passenger numbers. But despite these challenges, Linz Airport is optimistic about developments in 2025. "The holiday flights were well received, and with the resumption of the Frankfurt connection and the addition of Ryanair as a new partner, we have already set the course for a successful year," Draskovits continued.

Airport relies on new flight offer

Linz Airport was not only able to restore the Frankfurt connection, but also establish new connections abroad. From the 2024/25 winter flight schedule, the Irish airline Ryanair began operating two weekly flights to London Stansted. This step was an important milestone for the airport, which secured a new international offering. From the 2025 summer flight schedule, Ryanair will further expand its offering and add two weekly flights to Alicante and Bari. Even in the high season, in April and May, Ryanair will fly to Bari three times a week. "We expect to achieve a significant increase in passengers in 2025 with a combination of scheduled and charter flights," emphasizes Draskovits.

Promising flight destinations in summer 2025

Linz Airport's 2025 summer flight schedule includes a wide range of attractive destinations that are of interest to both business and holidaymakers. In addition to the established destinations such as Frankfurt and London, there will be numerous additional flight connections in summer 2025. Particularly noteworthy are the scheduled flights to Hurghada in Egypt, Varna in Bulgaria and various Greek islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Kos. The connection to Antalya in Turkey will also be offered with four weekly flights. Other popular holiday destinations such as Mallorca and Alicante are also included in the flight schedule.

For business travelers and city vacationers, Linz Airport also offers flights to Paris, Rome, Bilbao and Corsica. This expansion of the flight offering is intended to help further establish the airport as an important transport hub for passengers from Upper Austria and the surrounding area.

Air freight records growth

In addition to passenger numbers, Linz Airport is also on a growth path in the area of ​​air freight. While market growth in the air freight industry is slower overall, Linz Airport can boast positive figures. Freight volume in 2024 is expected to be between 48.000 and 49.000 tons - an increase of 8 to 10 percent compared to the previous year. Particularly noteworthy is the growth in the flown freight segment, which has increased by 25,5 percent. "The cooperation with DHL Express and Turkish Cargo has contributed to these positive results and shows that Linz Airport plays an important role as a cargo airport," explains Draskovits.

With these positive developments in the area of ​​air freight and the expanded passenger offerings, Linz Airport is optimistic about the future. "We are confident that we will achieve our goals in 2025 and grow in both the passenger and freight sectors," concludes Draskovits.

Outlook for the future

Linz Airport has further expanded its market position with a large number of new flight connections and a stable partnership with important airlines such as Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Ryanair. The focus is now on consistently expanding the range of services and continuously improving the quality of service. The coming 2025 season promises strong growth for the airport and a recovery from the challenges of the past year.

For Linz Airport, 2025 is a year of renewal and growth. The airport will continue to work on playing a significant role as an important transport hub for Upper Austria and the entire Alpine region.

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