Linz Airport is setting the course for a comprehensive personnel and strategic transformation. Following an intensive selection process involving a total of 111 applicants, Jörg Ebbighausen has been confirmed as the future managing director of the Upper Austrian airport.
The decision, officially finalized at the end of February 2026, ensures a smooth transition: Current Managing Director Norbert Draskovits will remain in his position until December 31, 2026, to guarantee a seamless handover of responsibilities. With Ebbighausen's appointment, the airport gains an internationally experienced aviation manager who previously oversaw key strategic projects at Munich Airport. This new appointment also secures the critical connection to the Frankfurt hub, considered a lifeline for Upper Austria's export-oriented economy. Representatives from the state and city see this personnel decision as a clear commitment to strengthening the airport's infrastructure and logistics functions, thereby permanently solidifying its position among regional airports.
A selection process with international recognition
The job posting for the CEO position at Blue Danube Airport Linz generated a remarkably strong response from the industry. The 111 applications received underscore the attractiveness of the position despite the challenges currently facing regional airports. The supervisory board, chaired by Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs Markus Achleitner, narrowed the field down to five candidates through a multi-stage process, who were then invited for personal interviews. Jörg Ebbighausen was ultimately selected unanimously, as his profile was deemed a particularly good fit for the upcoming transformation tasks.
Ebbighausen brings extensive expertise from one of Europe's largest aviation groups. At Munich Airport, he was most recently responsible for corporate development and led large-scale projects in the areas of digitalization and strategic infrastructure planning. This experience is considered crucial, as Linz Airport faces the challenge of modernizing its processes and further developing new business areas, particularly in the cargo sector. His network in the international aviation industry is also seen as a key factor in attracting new partners to the airport.
A key aspect of the current arrangement is the long-term transition phase. Norbert Draskovits, who steered the airport through the difficult years of the pandemic and the subsequent recovery, will remain in office until the end of 2026. This decision is intended to ensure that ongoing projects can continue without delay. Governor Thomas Stelzer emphasized in this context that stability is the fundamental prerequisite for future growth. The simultaneous presence of the outgoing and incoming managing directors over several months allows for the joint coordination of strategic decisions, thus minimizing the risk of disruptions in management.
Economic importance and connection to Frankfurt
Securing the air link between Linz and Frankfurt am Main remains the central strategic goal of Upper Austria's economic development policy. Frankfurt serves as the primary intercontinental hub for local industry. Regional Minister for Economic Affairs Markus Achleitner emphasized that the international accessibility of businesses is directly dependent on the quality of this connection. For the numerous global market leaders in Upper Austria, Linz Airport is not only a passenger hub, but above all an essential logistics platform.
The combination of passenger traffic and air freight is the unique selling point of Linz Airport in Austria. While passenger traffic is still dominated by holiday charters and the Frankfurt route, the cargo sector has developed into a stable source of revenue. Ebbighausen has experience in both segments, which should allow him to optimally utilize the synergies between belly cargo operations on passenger aircraft and dedicated cargo flights. Linz Mayor Dietmar Prammer described the appointment as a strong signal for the city's economic standing, as Ebbighausen possesses the necessary networking skills to represent the interests of the city and its industry.
Challenges in regional competition
The market for regional airports has become significantly more competitive in recent years. Competition from larger hubs like Vienna and Munich, as well as the expansion of high-speed rail lines, is putting pressure on these locations. Jörg Ebbighausen has already stated his intention to put Linz Airport back on the road to success. This includes maintaining existing routes, acquiring new connections, and sharpening its profile as a specialized logistics hub.
A key focus of his work will likely be the digital transformation of airport processes. Increased efficiency in handling and state-of-the-art infrastructure for cargo logistics are necessary to remain competitive with other locations. Experience gained in Munich in implementing large-scale digital projects is considered a valuable asset in this regard. In this context, transformation means adapting to changing market conditions and optimizing key performance indicators.
Long-term prospects for the Linz location
With the appointment of the new management team, the political debate surrounding the airport's future has come to a temporary end. The agreement between the State of Upper Austria and the City of Linz, as the owner, is a crucial foundation for Ebbighausen's future work. The clear prioritization of the airport's infrastructure function demonstrates that it is not viewed merely as a transportation hub, but rather as an integral component of the regional value chain.
In the coming months, the focus will be primarily on strengthening the trust of airline partners and increasing the utilization of existing capacities. The secure connection to Frankfurt forms the backbone around which further services in the areas of business travel and specialized logistics can be developed. The transition from Draskovits to Ebbighausen thus marks not only a change in personnel, but also the beginning of a new phase in the development of Linz Airport, one that emphasizes professionalization, stability, and targeted growth.