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Jan Gruber

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Jan Gruber

Passenger satisfaction at Austria’s airports at a high level – incoming tourism as an important factor

Jan Gruber June 18, 2025 12:41

Austrian commercial airports enjoy high passenger satisfaction and play a key role in the country's tourism industry. This is the result of the latest results of a comprehensive passenger survey conducted by the Association of German Commercial Airports (ADV), which was conducted at 2024 airports in 24. Around 14.000 of these interviews were conducted at Austrian airports. More than three-quarters of all respondents (78 percent) gave top marks for passenger satisfaction. Particularly noteworthy is the high proportion of 40 percent of so-called incoming travelers, i.e., air passengers traveling to Austria from outside of Austria. This figure is significantly higher than the German average of 21 percent and underscores Austria's attractiveness as a tourist destination. The Association of Austrian Commercial Airports (AÖV) is committed to further strengthening the state airports. Since June 13, 2025, Norbert Draskovits, Managing Director of Linz Airport, has taken over the rotating presidency of the AÖV from Julian Jäger, Member of the Management Board of Vienna Airport. An outstanding testament to service quality The results of the ADV passenger survey are a clear commitment by passengers to the high quality of Austrian airports. The fact that 78 percent of respondents awarded top marks for passenger satisfaction is an indicator of excellent service and efficient processes. It is particularly noteworthy that in Austria, the proportion of top marks (on a 6-point scale) is even higher at 44 percent than in Germany, where this figure is 32 percent. This speaks volumes about the commitment of employees and the investments in infrastructure. Julian Jäger, the current Vice President of the AÖV and Member of the Management Board of Flughafen Wien AG, emphasized the significance of these results: "Austrian airports have an outstanding

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Immersive “Asterix & Obelix” adventure in Dortmund from June 2025

Jan Gruber June 18, 2025 12:34

Starting June 26, 2025, Phoenix des Lumières will present the spectacular experience "Asterix & Obelix – An Immersive Adventure" in Dortmund. This event offers fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the beloved Gauls before Asterix and Obelix embark on their 23st adventure to Portugal on October 2025, 41. Visitors can participate in a first-hand search for the kidnapped druid Getafix and thus become part of the Gallic stories themselves. Markus Iking of Egmont Verlagsgesellschaften mbH is looking forward to presenting parts of the 40 adventures in this special setting and giving Asterix fans new insights into the universe of the comic heroes.

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ÖAMTC warns of increased risk of accidents on Austria's roads during Corpus Christi

Jan Gruber June 18, 2025 12:05

The ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile Club) is predicting not only heavy traffic and the associated long traffic jams for the upcoming long weekend around Corpus Christi (June 19-22, 2025), but is also warning of an increased risk of accidents. Over the past ten years, a total of 71 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in Austria during Corpus Christi, with 2015 marking a sad peak with 13 fatalities. Robert Kolerovic, traffic engineer at the ÖAMTC, is therefore appealing to all road users to drive with particular concentration and defensively. Particular attention should be paid to motorcyclists at the start of the season, as they are often only just beginning their season after a rainy May. In the past, more than one in three traffic fatalities on Corpus Christi involved a motorcycle. Over a third of all motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents, usually caused by inappropriate speed, carelessness, or unsuccessful overtaking maneuvers. The ÖAMTC advises motorcyclists to always ride with foresight and at an appropriate speed, and to plan for unforeseeable situations. Regularly practicing riding technique after longer breaks is also recommended. Furthermore, studies indicate that motorcycles are often overlooked or their speed underestimated at intersections, which is why other drivers are also called upon to pay increased attention. According to preliminary figures from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Austrian accident statistics for 2025 show 15 fatalities in road traffic accidents as of June 144, which represents an increase compared to the 119 fatalities at the same time last year. The increase is particularly noticeable in Lower Austria, with 49 fatalities, 18 more than in the previous year. Carinthia, Salzburg, and Styria recorded decreases. In a ten-year comparison, the current figures, with the exception of the Corona years 2020 and

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Salzburg Airport: Recovery course after the crisis and extensive future investments

Jan Gruber June 18, 2025 11:15

Salzburg Airport reached a significant milestone in the 2024 financial year, exceeding the 1,7 million passenger threshold. 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, 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 is planning extensive investments in the modernization of the terminal landscape. Successful 2024 financial year and first quarter results for 2025 Salzburg Airport closed the 2024 financial year on a positive note, underscoring the airport's ability to recover from the effects of the global crisis. The 10,7 percent increase in passenger numbers to almost 1,8 million passengers is a clear sign of the renewed desire to travel. Airport Managing Director Bettina Ganghofer expressed her satisfaction with the development: "2024 was a very positive year. Even if the number of flights did not reach the pre-crisis level, the destination portfolio is satisfactory and we can be more than satisfied with the passenger development." However, the start of the 2024/2025 winter season, despite initially positive forecasts, was characterized by some uncertainties. Aircraft capacity utilization was not as expected due to the snow and booking situation. Added to this was the unexpected cancellation of Wizz Air flight connections. The routes to

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ÖAMTC warns of rigid towing at the Donauinselfest

Jan Gruber June 18, 2025 07:01

The Austrian Automobile Club (ÖAMTC) urgently warns visitors to this year's Donauinselfest (June 20-22, 2025) against the rigorous towing of improperly parked vehicles. To keep access to the Donauinsel clear for emergency vehicles at all times, violations will be strictly punished. Drivers risk costs of well over €400, which can include towing fees, storage fees, and possible criminal charges, plus any taxi fares for the return journey. The automobile club recommends that visitors to the major event use Park & ​​Ride facilities and public transport. For all road users not traveling to the Donauinselfest, the ÖAMTC advises using the Praterbrücke (A23) or the Nordbrücke, which, however, require a toll sticker. However, on the Donauinsel bridges – the Floridsdorferbrücke, Brigittenauerbrücke, and Reichsbrücke – severe traffic disruptions are to be expected due to the high influx of visitors. Additionally, the ÖAMTC experts point out the current short-term parking zone regulations in Vienna. These will be in effect almost everywhere on Friday, the first day of the festival, from 9:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. This means that illegally parked vehicles can not only be towed but also face fines if they park without a valid parking ticket or outside of the permitted times. Strict adherence to the parking regulations is therefore essential to avoid high costs and inconveniences.

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“Wachau Summer Solstice” on 21 June 2025 with expanded transport services

Jan Gruber June 17, 2025 12:33

On June 21, 2025, the "Wachau Summer Solstice" will once again take place in Spitz an der Donau, one of the most atmospheric solstice celebrations in Lower Austria. At this traditional event, Spitz's landmarks and sights will be illuminated by magical lighting effects. A grand fireworks display will also illuminate the Danube and the surrounding vineyards. The festivities begin at 17 p.m. and feature Wachau delicacies, fine wines, and musical entertainment. At dusk, the magic of lights and fire begins: Distinctive landmarks such as the Devil's Wall, the Hinterhaus ruins, the Red Gate, the Singerriedel, and the Tausendeimerberg will be illuminated by countless torches and lights, before a grand fireworks display marks the climax of the evening. Lower Austria's State Minister for Transport and Deputy Governor Udo Landbauer emphasized that the solstice celebration is "a living tradition and a highlight in the Lower Austrian event calendar." The Wachau Railway's services will be expanded to ensure convenient and safe arrival and departure. As NÖVOG managing directors Wolfgang Schroll and Michael Hasenöhrl announced, three additional train pairs will be provided between Krems and Spitz in the evening. This will allow visitors to enjoy the festivities until late into the night. In addition to the Wachau Railway, the Wachau buses on lines 715, 718, and 719 will also be available for public travel. The "Wachau Summer Solstice" attracts numerous visitors every year and is a significant event for the region.

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Easyjet strengthens winter offer at Vienna Airport with five new connections

Jan Gruber June 17, 2025 11:08

The European airline easyjet is significantly expanding its offering at Vienna Airport for the 2025/2026 winter flight schedule. After recently returning to Vienna Airport with the Vienna-Milan Linate route, easyjet is now announcing five new non-stop connections to and from Vienna for the coming winter season. These new routes – to Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Bordeaux and Basel – will be operated exclusively in winter and are intended to enable easyjet to further expand its range of attractive winter travel destinations for customers across Europe. Together with the existing routes from Innsbruck and Salzburg and a new direct connection between Innsbruck and Edinburgh, easyjet will now offer a total of 17 direct connections to and from Austria, significantly expanding connectivity for winter tourism in Austria. The new flights are already bookable and are intended to increase the appeal of Vienna as a destination during the Christmas season from November 13, 2025. Return and expansion: easyjet's strategy for Austria The announcement of five new routes from Vienna Airport marks a further step in easyjet's increased presence in Austria. After a period of hesitation, EasyJet recently resumed direct service between Vienna and Milan Linate, which was already seen as a sign of a new direction. The five additional routes now planned for the 2025/2026 winter schedule impressively confirm this expansion strategy. The selection of the new destinations is strategic: Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Bordeaux, and Basel. These cities represent important markets for both city and winter tourism and complement EasyJet's existing offering. The fact that these connections are exclusively in

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Donaubühne Tulln opens summer season with Alex Kristan and numerous stars

Jan Gruber June 17, 2025 11:03

The Donaubühne Tulln successfully opened this year's open-air season. Alex Kristan thrilled a sold-out crowd of almost 3.000 fans at the opening performance in mild evening weather. The artist expressed his enthusiasm for the atmosphere and promised to return again, signing autographs and posing for photos long after the performance. The season's motto is "All Stars on Board" and promises a diverse program. The Donaubühne's program includes a wide range of artists from Austria and abroad. Austrian crowd favorites include Klaus Eckel, Alex Kristan, Manuel Rubey and Simon Schwarz, Omar Sarsam, Viktor Gernot, and Thomas Stipsits. Martina Schwarzmann, Annet Louisan, and the band Culcha Candela are expected from Germany. International stars such as British musician Jamie Cullum and his band and global star Anastacia from overseas will also perform in Tulln. Classical music lovers can look forward to the three celebrated tenors Joseph Calleja, Arturo Chacón-Cruz, and Bogdan Volkov. An orchestra with soloists will also bring sounds by Hans Zimmer and the music of "Lord of the Rings" to the stage. A special highlight of the season will be the big birthday concert on August 1 for Austrian footballer Herbert Prohaska, who will celebrate his 70th birthday a few days later. Numerous well-wishers, including Christopher Seiler, Thomas Stipsits, Lukas Resetarits, Birgit Denk, Etta Scollo, Sandra Pires, Reinhold Bilgeri, Pete Art, and Natalia Ushakova, will perform live, accompanied by the Donaubühne anniversary combo. Unfortunately, Beth Hart's concert had to be postponed to July 4, 2026, due to the artist's health.

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Ryanair denounces European air traffic control: “Disastrous mismanagement” causes massive flight delays

Jan Gruber June 17, 2025 09:46

On Monday, June 16, 2025, Ryanair again sharply criticized the European Commission and called for decisive intervention against air traffic control services in France, Spain, Germany, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary described the services of these services as "disastrously managed" and called for adequate staffing of control centers to prevent avoidable delays. Figures for 2024 provided by Eurocontrol show that these five countries were responsible for the majority of delays to Ryanair flights caused by air traffic control bottlenecks and strikes. Ryanair has long criticized the lack of progress in reforming European air traffic control, despite significant investment in the failed "Single European Sky" (SESAR) project. The Problem of Flight Delays: A Comparison of ATC Services. Ryanair presents detailed figures in its press release that demonstrate the striking differences in the performance of European air traffic control (ATC) services. The data for 2024, based on Eurocontrol data on Ryanair flights delayed due to ATC capacity constraints and strikes, paints a clear picture: Worst air traffic control services in 2024 (selection of Ryanair flights): In contrast, Ryanair presents the performance of other air traffic control services as exemplary: Best air traffic control services in 2024 (selection of Ryanair flights): In Ryanair's view, these figures illustrate that the problems in certain countries are not systemic across Europe, but must be resolved at the national level. Michael O'Leary sharply criticizes: "If the Danes, Belgians, Dutch, Irish and Slovaks can properly staff their air traffic control services and eliminate 'ATC capacity' delays, why can't we also expect the French, German, Greek and British air traffic control providers, all of whom are well funded by the airlines,

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Strike at Helsinki Airport: Finnair cancels 143 flights

Jan Gruber June 17, 2025 08:03

The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has announced industrial action at Finnair's home airport in Helsinki, Finland's hub. This action will result in significant traffic disruptions on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The four-hour industrial action will affect various shifts and impact essential functions for Finnair's flights, including ground handling and catering services. Due to this strike, Finnair will have to cancel approximately 17 flights on Tuesday, June 143. Approximately 6.500 Finnair customers are expected to be affected by the flight cancellations. Finnair will offer these customers alternative flights. Customers whose flights have been canceled will be immediately informed and offered a new flight, which will also be available in the booking service and the Finnair mobile app. The offered route may be changed depending on flight availability in the booking service or via customer service. Alternatively, customers can cancel their reservation and request a refund for the unused ticket. The flight cancellations have overwhelmed Finnair's customer service, resulting in longer wait times. Finnair had previously offered customers planning to travel on strike days the option to rebook their flights to avoid disruptions, and thousands of customers have already taken advantage of this option. Despite Finnair's efforts, baggage handling may be disrupted at Helsinki Airport on Tuesday. Passengers are therefore advised to check in in advance, arrive at the airport on time, and carry important items such as medication in their hand luggage. The IAU has also announced similar industrial action for Thursday, June 19, the exact impact of which Finnair is currently assessing. However, disruptions are expected on that day as well; possible flight cancellations for Thursday will be announced on Tuesday, June 17.

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