Air traffic in Germany continues to lag behind pre-crisis levels. According to the German Aviation Association (BDL), flight connections in 2024 fell by 17 percent compared to 2019. While air traffic has recovered in many other countries, Germany is struggling with high production costs that make competition difficult. This has noticeable consequences for business travel, tourism and freight transport.
Michael Hoppe, Chairman of the airline association BARIG, warns of the economic consequences of this development. He points out that the lower number of passenger flights also puts a strain on the export and import of goods, as many goods are transported in the cargo hold of passenger aircraft. Companies that rely on fast and direct international connections are particularly affected.
Hoppe calls on politicians to make Germany more competitive by reducing taxes. This includes abolishing the air traffic tax and reducing the costs of aviation security, infrastructure and air traffic control. Without political countermeasures, Germany is in danger of losing further importance in international air traffic.
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