The competitiveness of Germany as an aviation location is increasingly being put to the test. While airports in neighboring countries such as the Netherlands, France and Poland are experiencing growth, German airports are struggling with rising location costs, a declining number of stationed aircraft and the migration of airlines. Conference of Minister Presidents (MPK) has now unanimously adopted a catalogue of measures to secure the economic future of German air traffic. This decision is addressed as an urgent appeal to the Federal Government.
German airports, once hubs of international air traffic, are increasingly suffering from high regulatory costs. Aviation taxthat airlines have to pay per passenger, as well as increasing aviation security fees are putting a significant strain on the industry. Airlines are pulling out because operations in Germany are often less profitable than at European locations.
ADV General Manager Ralph Beisel stresses the importance of this problem: "The competitiveness of air transport is closely linked to the economic strength and jobs in the regions." According to Beisel, the abolition of the air transport tax could be a decisive step in encouraging airlines to expand their flight programs at German airports again.
Required measures
The MPK names concrete steps to improve the situation:
- reduction of the air transport tax: This tax is considered a key cost factor that puts German airports at a disadvantage in international comparison.
- waiving the increase in aviation security fees: The increase planned from January 2025 would mean additional financial burdens for airlines.
- improving connectivity: The Prime Ministers are calling for air transport agreements with third countries to strengthen connections to important markets such as the USA or Asia.
- ReFuelAviation Regulation: The German blending quota for power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels is criticized as an isolated measure. A uniform regulation across Europe is considered necessary to avoid distortions of competition.
International Competitiveness
A comparison with European neighbours shows how much pressure German airports are under in international competition. Countries such as France and Italy Airlines are lured with tax breaks, while German airports are burdened by special national regulations. The MPK sees a need for action here and is calling on the Federal Government to take targeted measures to create a level playing field within the European Union.
Future Prospects for Air Transport
The demands of the Prime Ministers go beyond short-term relief. Securing the connectivity – i.e. the connection of important economic regions to international air traffic – is seen as a key factor for Germany's economic future. Airports are not only hubs for passengers, but also logistics centers that promote economic growth and trade.
The MPK resolution could be a decisive template for the next federal government. The aim is to make Germany more attractive for airlines again, to open up new routes and to offer passengers a wider range of options. Ralph Beisel expresses the hope that the resolutions will be included in the upcoming coalition agreement and that politicians will take the challenges facing the industry seriously.
Political Reactions and Outlook
The MPK's demands have already sparked initial discussions in political circles. Business associations support the proposed measures, while critics warn of possible revenue losses due to the abolition of the air transport tax. Nevertheless, there seems to be a growing consensus that an effective air transport sector is of central importance for Germany's competitiveness.
It remains to be seen whether the federal government will implement the measures called for. What is clear, however, is that the pressure is increasing: without relief, there is a risk of further airline migration and a weakening of the aviation industry - with far-reaching consequences for the economy and the labor market.
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