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Mönchengladbach

Anniversary on the Lower Rhine: More than 22.000 visitors celebrate 70 years of Mönchengladbach Airport

Jan Gruber June 24, 2026 12:01

Mönchengladbach Airport experienced a significant public turnout for its 70th anniversary celebration. More than 22.000 visitors flocked to the airport grounds in the Rhineland for the anniversary event. This success built upon the previous open house in 2023, showcasing the airport to the public as a major regional aviation, business, and training center. More than 50 exhibitors, including local companies, flight schools, authorities such as the Federal Police and Customs, as well as units of the German Armed Forces and the local fire department, used the large-scale event for presentations. As one of Germany's most important general aviation hubs, the airport plays a central role in the regional infrastructure. Companies such as Rheinland Air Service, based at the airport and considered a leading European specialist in the maintenance and sales of regional and business aircraft, opened their facilities to the public as part of organized bus tours. A highlight of the event was an aircraft exhibition on the apron, featuring both historic and modern aircraft. The exhibits included rare classics such as the F4U Corsair, the T-28 Trojan, and a historic Junkers Ju 52. The adjacent Hugo Junkers Hangar offered guests deeper insights into aviation history and the life's work of the famous engineer Hugo Junkers. Prominent guest star Michael Manousakis, a technology expert known from television productions, attracted numerous aviation enthusiasts. The event was rounded out by a culinary concept and scenic flights over the region in helicopters and propeller planes.

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Mönchengladbach Airport opens its doors to celebrate its 70th anniversary

Stephen Steiner June 15, 2026 09:03

Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL) will celebrate its 70th anniversary this summer with a large-scale public event. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, North Rhine-Westphalia's largest business airport will host an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. Following the successful event in 2023, which attracted more than 20.000 visitors, the operating company is continuing this established format. The event will showcase the airport and offer the local population insights into the businesses, clubs, aviation authorities, and local training and career opportunities. A major attraction will be an extensive aircraft display on the apron. Historical and technical exhibits will include an OV-10 Bronco, the historic F4U Corsair "Devotion" fighter jet, a military Fantrainer, and a Eurocopter EC135 helicopter from the German Federal Police. A prominent guest from the national aviation scene is expected: Michael Manousakis, who will present his historic Douglas DC-3 and be available for interviews on the event stage. The Association of Friends of Historic Aircraft will also highlight local industrial history using a Junkers Ju 52 as an example. This history is closely linked to the work of Mönchengladbach aviation pioneer and engineer Hugo Junker, whose achievements are also documented in the adjacent Hugo Junkers Hangar. The aviation program will be complemented by sightseeing flights in airplanes and helicopters, coordinated through a central booking platform on the premises. In addition, the airport will organize bus tours of the otherwise restricted operational areas, including the maintenance hangars of Rheinland Air Service (RAS) and the historic site of the former Rheinflugbau aircraft factory. Representatives from the aviation industry will also be present.

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Forced break for classic car events at Mönchengladbach Airport

Stephen Steiner April 14, 2026 06:08

The popular "Oldtimer FLY & DRIVE IN" event series, traditionally held around the Hugo Junkers Hangar at Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL), will not take place for the entire year of 2026. As the airport company and its partners announced, the current operational situation at the airport necessitates the temporary repurposing of open spaces for essential operational purposes. Since these areas are indispensable for the logistics and capacity planning of the classic car and aircraft events, the organizers were forced to cancel the events for logistical reasons. The decision was made after a detailed review by management and the partner companies involved. Mönchengladbach Airport, which has established itself in recent years as a significant location for general aviation and as a maintenance center, is thus prioritizing smooth flight operations over public events. The scarcity of space is due, among other things, to increased activity in the business aviation sector and capacity expansions by resident companies. Despite the cancellation of the classic car and aircraft series, the management of the caterer noi! emphasizes The Friends of the Airport Association announced that planning for 2027 is already underway. The goal remains to make the historical setting around the Junkers Ju 52 accessible again to the same extent as before, starting next year. Instead of regular meetings, the site is focusing this year on one major event: On June 21, 2026, Mönchengladbach Airport will celebrate its 70th anniversary with an open house. From 11:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m., visitors will gain insights into the infrastructure and the businesses located there. This festive day is intended to replace the canceled events and highlight the economic and social importance of the airport.

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Strategic expansion of Mönchengladbach as an aerospace location

Amely Mizzi February 16, 2026 12:36

Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL) underscored its position as a major innovation hub in North Rhine-Westphalia with a high-level visit from state politicians. State Secretary Paul Höller from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy, along with former astronaut and space ambassador Reinhold Ewald, learned about the site's technological development. The focus was on networking between industry and research, as well as attracting specialized high-tech companies that aim to establish the airport as a "laboratory for the future," extending beyond traditional flight operations. A key pillar of MGL's economic stability is Rheinland Air Service GmbH (RAS), the largest employer at the airport, which provides comprehensive maintenance and repair services for international aviation. This portfolio is complemented by young technology companies such as The Exploration Company. At the site, this company utilizes additive manufacturing processes to produce high-performance metal components and alloys for the aerospace industry. This specialization in high-tech applications illustrates the airport's transformation from a purely commercial airfield to an integrated technology cluster. Since the city of Mönchengladbach fully acquired the airport in 2018, the site has experienced dynamic growth. The number of jobs has increased by approximately 43 percent to its current 829 employees across 47 resident companies. In addition to technological manufacturing, training remains a core business: with over 40.000 flight movements per year, six flight schools, and eleven flight simulators, MGL is one of the leading training centers for commercial pilots in Germany. Management emphasizes that the combination of traditional business aviation and new aerospace applications forms the basis for future value creation. The state government considers the airport to be of high strategic importance for regional economic policy.

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Air traffic control costs: Federal government extends support for regional airports

Belinda Borg 24 November 2025 12:09

At the budget reconciliation meeting on November 13, 2025, the federal government decided to continue supporting regional airports in so-called Fee Zone 2 with €50 million in 2026. These funds serve as compensation for air traffic control costs and also benefit airports such as Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL). The extension of funding by one year was strongly advocated by the regional airports and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) after the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDV) had previously indicated it would discontinue the funding. Fee Zone 2, introduced under the Air Traffic Control Arrival and Departure Cost Reimbursement Ordinance (FSAAKV), aims to reduce the structural competitive disadvantages faced by smaller airports compared to the major commercial airports in Fee Zone 1. Without this support, regional airports would have to bear their air traffic control costs entirely on their own, which could lead to significant financial difficulties for some locations. For Mönchengladbach Airport, which, with nearly 50.000 flight movements annually, is one of the most important general aviation airports in Germany, the loss of these funds would represent a massive external cost burden, hindering future development. Although the approval of the funds for 2026 is considered an important initial success, the city and the airport company Mönchengladbach are demanding a permanent funding guarantee beyond the coming year. Mayor Felix Heinrichs, who also chairs the MGL supervisory board, emphasized that the airport is a central component of the region's economic structure and that a clear perspective for reliability is essential. MGL Managing Director Andreas Ungar underlined that planning and investment security can only be guaranteed through permanent funding of fee category 2. MGL is considered by those responsible to be a significant driver of innovation and economic growth in the region.

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Mönchengladbach opens Europe's first public filling station for unleaded aviation fuel

Belinda Borg 24 October 2025 07:03

On October 22, 2025, Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL) opened Europe's first publicly accessible refueling station for the new, unleaded aviation fuel Swift 100R. General aviation at MGL can now use this innovative fuel as part of an initial test phase. The initial refueling was carried out in cooperation with the airport-based MG Flyers Luftfahrerschule GmbH. Swift 100R represents an alternative to conventional Avgas 100LL, as it is completely unleaded while offering the same motor octane rating (MON 100). This allows its use without technical modifications to the approved aircraft. Furthermore, the new fuel is miscible with existing grades. Swift 100R is approved based on a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The fuel is currently approved for all Cessna 172 S and R models, with approvals for numerous other aircraft types and engines expected shortly. Swift 100R is distributed in Europe by Bollinger Aviation. The company emphasizes that the commissioning of the first public filling station of its kind in Europe at MGL is a signal of progress and innovation in the field of fuel supply for general aviation. The introduction of unleaded avgas is becoming increasingly important in light of potential EU regulations banning tetraethyl lead (TEL). For Mönchengladbach Airport, which has already positioned itself as a pioneer in Germany through the permanent availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the introduction of Swift 100R is a further strategic step. Airport Managing Director Andreas Ungar emphasizes that the cooperation with Swift Fuel and Bollinger Aviation demonstrates the company's active support of the transformation process in aviation.

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Aviation start-up Vini starts flight operations

Stephen Steiner September 3, 2025 06:34

A German aviation start-up, previously known as Flyv, has commenced commercial operations with a new name, Vini, and a clear commitment to technological innovation. As the company announced on its LinkedIn page, the maiden flight took place on the new route between Friedrichshafen and Mönchengladbach. With a business model based on artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time demand, Vini aims to occupy a niche in European air transport: serving regional airports that are increasingly neglected by major scheduled airlines. The start of operations marks a crucial milestone for the young company, which had previously secured initial funding to implement its innovative approach. A Change in Concept: From Flyv to Vini and the Launch of Scheduled Flights The decision to rename itself Vini marks a strategic realignment of the company. While the name Flyv still generally described flying, Vini indicates a new phase of the company's development, focusing on its core concept. The launch of commercial flights is the result of months of preparation and negotiations. The first flight, established between Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance and Mönchengladbach on the Lower Rhine, is a symbol of Vini's business concept. It is a direct connection between two regional centers not served by established airlines. The second route, from Mönchengladbach to Hof-Plauen, further illustrates this concept. These flight routes are generally too short or too light for large airlines, which rely on mass-market routes and hub-to-hub traffic. Instead, Vini targets the transportation needs of business travelers.

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Mönchengladbach Airport and Albatross cooperate on infrastructure

Jan Gruber September 3, 2025 04:01

Mönchengladbach Airport and Albatross have announced a strategic partnership. The collaboration will involve the development of infrastructure for energy, mobility, and logistics. A key component of the collaboration is the planning of photovoltaic systems with battery storage. Furthermore, the development of charging and refueling infrastructure for future aircraft types and electric ground vehicles will be advanced. Another focus will be the integration of drone logistics and air taxi systems. The airport had previously engaged in research projects on new forms of mobility. The partnership is intended to strengthen the airport's position as a development location for modern aviation technologies. The goal is to develop the airport into a regional innovation center.

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Flyvbird launches connections from Mönchengladbach and Münster

Amely Mizzi August 13, 2025 14:09

The new German virtual airline Flyvbird will commence operations on September 1, 2025. The company will initially offer two new routes from Friedrichshafen Airport. The flights will run to Mönchengladbach and Münster. Five weekly flights are planned on each of these routes on weekdays. The flights will be operated by the charter airline Flyellow from Passau. They will use a Cessna C208 Caravan, a smaller turboprop aircraft that can accommodate up to nine passengers. Flyvbird's business model is based on offering regional flight connections not served by larger airlines. The flights will be marketed under flight numbers with the code "Q4," which belongs to the Spanish airline Euroairlines. This cooperation enables Flyvbird to offer its flights through global booking systems for travel agencies. The launch of the new connections represents a revival of regional air traffic for Mönchengladbach and Münster airports. The Cessna C208 Caravan's design makes it well-suited for operations at smaller airports, as it can also operate on shorter runways. The company Flyvbird uses an AI-supported platform to flexibly adapt flight schedules to demand. According to the company, further expansion of the route network is planned after the launch of flights from Friedrichshafen. The partnership with Flyellow and Euroairlines is intended to lay the foundation for a more flexible and customer-oriented offering in regional air transport.

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New player on the horizon: Flyvbird launches charter flights between German regional airports

Amely Mizzi August 4, 2025 12:49

The German aviation landscape is preparing for a new player. The virtual airline Flyv, which operates from Stuttgart, has announced that its charter and on-demand services under the Flyvbird brand will commence operations on September 1, 2025. The flights, which will connect selected German regional airports, will be operated by the German air carrier owner (AOC holder) Flyellow. The aircraft will be a dedicated Cessna Grand Caravan EX. This new service marks a strategic step to improve connectivity in regions that have previously been inadequately connected to the national air network. Flyvbird's business model, which focuses on utilizing smaller, decentralized airports and responds to demand, could usher in a new era for regional mobility in Germany. A flexible concept for regional aviation. Flyvbird's concept differs significantly from that of traditional scheduled airlines. It is a so-called virtual airline that does not own its own aircraft or pilots, but relies on the services of an air carrier (AOC) owner. In this case, Passau-based Flyellow is the operating partner, which will operate the charter and on-demand flights. Flyvbird's business model is based on the principle of on-demand air mobility. Instead of setting rigid flight schedules for specific routes, the company uses its own proprietary algorithms. These algorithms analyze passenger demand and optimize flight routes and capacity utilization in real time. This should make it possible to bundle decentralized traffic flows and respond flexibly to travelers' needs. The goal is to significantly reduce travel time compared to conventional means of transport such as cars or trains.

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