Salzburg Airport reached a significant milestone in the 2024 financial year, exceeding the 1,7 million passenger mark. With a total of 1.787.169 passengers, representing an increase of 10,7 percent over the previous year, the airport is clearly on a path to recovery.
The pre-coronavirus level of 2018, which serves as the benchmark year, was almost reached, with only 3,2 percent fewer passengers – the equivalent of 57.000 guests. This positive development underscores the robustness of air traffic in the region and the importance of Salzburg Airport as a central hub for tourism and the economy. Despite some challenges, such as the loss of Wizz Air connections, the airport management is optimistic about the future and plans extensive investments in the modernization of the terminal landscape.
Successful 2024 financial year and first quarterly results for 2025
Salzburg Airport closed the 2024 financial year with a positive result, underscoring the airport's ability to recover from the effects of the global crisis. The 10,7 percent increase in passenger numbers to nearly 1,8 million passengers is a clear sign of the renewed desire to travel. Airport Managing Director Bettina Ganghofer expressed satisfaction with the development: "2024 was a very positive year. Even though the number of flights did not reach pre-crisis levels, the destination portfolio is satisfactory, and we can be more than satisfied with the passenger development."
However, despite initially positive forecasts, the start of the 2024/2025 winter season was marked by some uncertainties. Aircraft utilization was below expectations due to snow and booking conditions. Added to this was the unexpected cancellation of Wizz Air's flight connections. The routes to Skopje, Bucharest, and London, which were introduced in 2024, were withdrawn from the schedule because the airport was unable to accommodate Wizz Air's demands for an adjustment of airport fares for economic reasons. Such negotiations between airlines and airports are common in the highly competitive aviation market and can impact the route network.
The figures for the first quarter of 2025 paint a mixed picture: While flight movements increased by 1,9 percent, aircraft carried approximately 5 percent fewer passengers during this period than in the previous year. This could indicate lower aircraft utilization or a shift toward smaller aircraft types. Nevertheless, discussions with partners and airlines are continuing to strengthen and expand the destination offering for the region from Salzburg Airport.
Factsheet 2024 (percentage change compared to 2023):
- Passengers: 1.787.169 (+ 10,7%)
- MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight): 519.139 (+ 3,3%)
- Movements: 14.358 (+ 3,2%)
- Cargo/Total Tonnage: 9.473 tonnes (+0,2%)
Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Deputy Governor Stefan Schnöll, summarizes the development of the last few years: "Almost 11% more passengers and only slightly behind the figures before Corona: The forecasts made at the time for the duration of the recovery phase have come true and the airport has now returned to its former strength." This demonstrates the resilience of Salzburg Airport and its importance for the region.
Salzburg Airport: Economic engine and international gateway
Salzburg Airport is much more than just a place where planes take off and land. It is an important Employer and economic factor for the entire region. Nearly 1300 people work at Salzburg Airport in a wide variety of areas, from air traffic control and security checks to service areas. 400 highly qualified permanent employees and additional seasonal part-time workers ensure smooth operations at Austria's largest airport.
As an international hub, the airport contributes significantly to Attractiveness of the location for companies Good transport links and international accessibility are important factors for the competitiveness of companies in a globalized economy. Stefan Schnöll emphasizes: "Tourism and international companies need a gateway to the world." This applies both to export-oriented companies and to Salzburg's flourishing tourism sector, which depends on good connections to international markets. The airport is constantly evolving as the demands for modern mobility grow. To remain fit for the future, Salzburg Airport must also constantly reinvent itself and invest in its infrastructure. Good flight connections right on the doorstep and, above all, connections to international hubs are essential for Salzburg's economy.
Comprehensive investments for the future: The major project “Terminal Landscape NEW”
To meet increasing demands and ensure its attractiveness to the international market, Salzburg Airport made extensive investments in 2024. "With the €8 million invested last year, much of the Corona investment freeze could be offset. We are investing in the preservation and future of our airport in order to remain attractive to the international market and to secure important destinations for the entire region," said Stefan Moser, the airport's authorized representative responsible for finance.
A major project that will significantly shape the future of the airport is the “Terminal landscape NEW”In December 2024, this project was approved by the airport's supervisory board, and the owners confirmed a financial contribution. A total of approximately 105 million euros in the modernization and reconstruction of the terminal. Construction of this major project is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The demands placed on modern airports have continually evolved. Airports must respond very quickly and flexibly to changes. Stefan Schnöll explains: "This forward-looking project will meet passenger demands even better, making the airport modern, energy-efficient, and future-proof. It is a significant step toward further consolidating Salzburg as a business location and boosting regional value creation."
Key investment items in 2024 (concern payments in the 2024 financial year, including for multi-year projects):
- PAV system at the parking garage: 1,13 million euros
- Purchase of equipment for security checks (EU Standard 3 devices): 1,1 million euros
- Terminal development planning project: almost 1,2 million euros
- Compact sweeper and blower including truck: 644.530 Euros
- Suction cup for de-icing fluid: 412.036 Euros
- IT Data Center: 298.494 Euros
- Fire department: 268.831 Euros
- Adaptation measures for the baggage handling system: 357.841 Euros
- Finalization of ETRY EXIT System (EES): 779.509,71 Euros
Today, airports present themselves as multifaceted worlds of experience, offering a wide range of services and amenities. In addition to diverse shopping opportunities, they attract customers with a variety of dining options, entertainment options, and business and conference facilities. In the rapidly changing aviation industry, efficiency has become a key factor. Airports are integrating this concept into all aspects of their operations. This includes optimized passenger processing, intelligent baggage handling, and state-of-the-art technology for smooth operations.
Airport Managing Director Bettina Ganghofer emphasizes the challenges of the "NEW Terminal Landscape" project: "Our flagship project is exciting and enormously challenging. We want to maintain short distances and create an environment in which our guests of tomorrow feel comfortable, both upon departure and arrival. We must consider the increasing requirements at the European and national level – particularly in terms of security – from an infrastructural perspective and implement them in efficient processes." Security requirements in particular have steadily increased in recent years, resulting in a massive increase in the space required for security facilities. Collaboration between all departments is crucial to developing effective solutions for this future-oriented project.
Summer flight program 2025: Variety for every travel wish
Salzburg Airport's 2025 summer flight program leaves nothing to be desired, offering a wide range of destinations to suit every travel taste. Bettina Ganghofer summarizes: "Whether to the Mediterranean, exploring cities, or flying to the Maldives via Dubai, our guests can conveniently embark on their dream vacation from Salzburg."
In addition to the tried-and-tested summer classics like Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Sardinia, and Corsica, which remain popular, new destinations like Barcelona (with Eurowings) and Alicante (with Ryanair) are expanding the offering and inviting you to explore. The range of summer destinations is vast and includes:
- Beach destinations: Egypt (Hurghada), Bulgaria (Burgas), the Greek islands (Karpathos, Corfu, Kos, Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos), Turkey (Antalya), Tunisia (Monastir), Cyprus (Larnaca) or southern Italy (Lamezia Terme).
- City trips: For those who are drawn further north, Copenhagen is on the schedule with even more flights. Berlin, Hamburg, Belgrade, London, and Amsterdam are also established destinations in Salzburg's flight schedule.
- Long-haul destinations: Exotic long-haul destinations such as Mauritius, Thailand or the USA can also be reached quickly and conveniently from Salzburg with just one change via major hubs such as Frankfurt, Istanbul or Dubai.
Development of Austrian commercial airports in the first quarter of 2025
A look at the figures for Austrian commercial airports in the first quarter of 2025 reveals a heterogeneous development. While some airports recorded increases, others suffered declines:
- Vienna: Passenger numbers rose by 1,8 percent to 6.018.204.
- Innsbruck: Passenger numbers rose by 1,2 percent to 532.975.
- Klagenfurt: Significant increase of 25,1 percent to 21.678 passengers.
- Linz: Impressive increase of 31,0 percent to 27.114 passengers.
- Graz: Significant decrease of 8,2 percent to 137.331 passengers after the end of the Amsterdam connection.
- Salzburg: Decline of 5,0 percent to 582.250 passengers after the departure of Wizz Air.
In terms of flight movements, the six commercial airports increased by a total of 2025 percent to 4,2 takeoffs and landings in the first quarter of 70.269. Growth was recorded in Vienna (+5,0%), Salzburg (+1,9%), Linz (+19,6%), and Klagenfurt (+32,4%). Only in Graz did flight movements decline slightly by 0,6 percent, and in Innsbruck they remained unchanged. Cargo volume increased by 6,2 percent year-on-year to a total of 89.851 tons. These figures demonstrate the dynamic nature of air traffic and the diverse regional developments in Austria.
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