The 2021 financial year was again negatively impacted by the corona pandemic: Hamburg Airport is in the red for the second time in a row. For 2021, the deficit is 94 million euros.

The airport's revenue increased by EUR 9,3 million (7,8 percent) compared to the previous year due to a slight increase in passenger numbers and strict cost discipline. In addition, an important milestone in climate protection was reached at the end of 2021: Hamburg Airport is the first major commercial airport in Germany to operate C0₂-neutral. A significant increase in passenger numbers at Easter and in summer is expected for 2022. For the current year 2022, the airport is forecasting a loss of 41 million euros. Hamburg Airport aims to be in the black by 2023, and the airport plans to be in the black again from 2024.

“Due to the ongoing corona pandemic, the recovery in air traffic fell well short of expectations. 2021 was another difficult financial year,” says Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO at Hamburg Airport. “But we are dealing responsibly with the unprecedented crisis: we have reduced our expenses to a minimum and increased effectiveness. To achieve this, all employees at Hamburg Airport pull together.”

Fluctuating traffic figures, but air freight almost at pre-crisis level

The recovery in air traffic in 2021 was significantly weaker than originally expected. The year started with a lockdown. Traffic figures at Hamburg Airport increased gradually over the summer, but stagnated at 40 to 50 percent of the pre-corona level. The autumn holidays were a popular travel time: In October, Hamburg Airport counted over 950.000 passengers - that is almost 60 percent compared to 2019 and the highest monthly figure since the outbreak of the pandemic. However, with increasing incidences, the traffic figures at Hamburg Airport declined again towards the end of the year. In total, around 2021 million people flew to and from Hamburg in 5,3.

While passenger numbers went through ups and downs, air freight almost reached the pre-crisis level: Despite fewer passenger planes, a total of 2021 tons of air freight were handled in 21.800. That is only 20 percent less than in 2019.

Passengers should allow more time for departure

Hamburg Airport and its partners at the site are already preparing for a sharp rise in passenger numbers in the summer. "The start of vacation will be the same as on the autobahn: everyone wants to travel at the same time," says Michael Eggenschwiler. “This will lead to strong utilization peaks that will be similar to 2019 or even higher. We are already observing full terminals for three to four hours, which are then almost empty again for hours. This is a big challenge, especially in terms of human resource planning.”

In order to be able to start their journey in a relaxed manner, Hamburg Airport recommends its passengers to be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure during the peak travel season and ideally to use the digital services such as online check-in and the baggage machines.