Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG, operator of Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports, has announced a comprehensive austerity program to stabilize its economic situation. In addition to higher fees for passengers and new negotiations with suppliers, staff cuts are planned in particular. Around 2026 jobs are to be cut by 250 in order to achieve a positive operating result for the first time in the company's history.
Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG, explained in an interview with the "Leipziger Volkszeitung" and the "Sächsische Zeitung" that the company is in a radical restructuring phase. "We must achieve a positive operating result by 2026 - for the first time in our history. That's why we have no choice but to cut costs everywhere," Ahmelmann stressed.
The economic difficulties of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG are nothing new. The company has been under financial pressure in recent years. The coronavirus pandemic hit Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports particularly hard. While passenger numbers are now recovering, the company continues to struggle with high operating costs and a changing market environment.
Staff reduction as a central measure
The most drastic measure of the austerity plan is probably the reduction of jobs. Around 250 jobs are to be eliminated by 2026. The company's management hopes to avoid redundancies as much as possible, but Ahmelmann admitted that they cannot be ruled out.
For the employees affected, this means a period of great uncertainty. Unions and employee representatives have already announced that they will work towards socially acceptable solutions. It is currently unclear whether there will be social plans or severance packages.
Increase in fees and new contracts with suppliers
In addition to the staff cuts, other measures are also intended to help ensure the company's economic stability. One of these concerns parking fees at Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports, which will increase in the future. The exact amount of the price adjustments has not yet been announced, however.
Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG also wants to negotiate new conditions with suppliers in order to reduce costs. This could include, for example, long-term contracts or adapted payment models.
Long-term perspectives and strategic realignment
Despite the current economic challenges, Ahmelmann believes the company is on the right track. Last year, the financial situation was critical because the available funds only lasted until the end of the year. Now, the new business plan offers a perspective for the next two years.
In the long term, it remains to be seen whether the measures introduced will be sufficient to make the airports economically viable. The development of passenger volumes and the general market situation in the aviation industry will also play a decisive role.
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