To mark the 100th anniversary of Salzburg Airport, around 100 decision-makers from the fields of politics, aviation, business and culture gathered for the aviation expert forum in the city of Mozart on May 7, 2026.
The event, organized by Aviation Industry Austria (AIA), underscored the role of Austria's second-largest airport as an indispensable international hub. In a time characterized by geopolitical tensions and volatile markets, experts discussed the necessary symbiosis between global accessibility and regional value creation. The tenor of the high-caliber panel discussions was clear: without efficient air connections, both Salzburg's tourism sector and its export-oriented economy would suffer a significant loss of international competitiveness. The airport's importance extends far beyond the mere transport of passengers; it functions as a strategic gateway, significantly shaping Austria's first impression on the international stage.
The strategic importance of aviation for Austria as a business location
In her address, State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner emphasized that aviation represents far more than just a means of transportation for Austria. As a key location factor, it connects the country to global markets and ensures accessibility for businesses and regions alike. Airports, she stated, are the country's calling cards. Especially for a country like Austria, whose prosperity depends heavily on exports and international tourism, a strong infrastructure is essential. Salzburg has served as a prime example for a century of how closely aviation, culture, and business are intertwined. To remain successful in a challenging global environment, reliable air connections are needed to safeguard Austria's economic position.
Julian Jäger, President of Aviation Industry Austria and CEO of Vienna Airport, reinforced this assessment with regard to the employment effects. Aviation is an engine of value creation that directly and indirectly secures thousands of jobs. For export-oriented regions like Salzburg, connections to international hubs are a fundamental prerequisite for remaining competitive in the market for investments and skilled workers. Global connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a structural necessity for the economic stability of a region.
Salzburg as a cultural world market and the role of the airport
A particular focus of the discussion was the close link between the airport and Salzburg's cultural appeal. Lukas Crepaz, Commercial Director of the Salzburg Festival, emphasized that international guests and artists depend on efficient travel. The global visibility of the Salzburg brand is directly linked to its accessibility. AIA Managing Director Peter Malanik added that Salzburg, as an excellently established cultural destination, benefits from the international connections provided by the airport, which play an essential role in cultural development. Aviation, in this context, acts as a facilitator for cultural exchange at the highest level.
Leo Bauernberger, Managing Director of Salzburg State Tourism, and Thomas Maierhofer of Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG emphasized the importance of air connections for year-round tourism. Whether festivalgoers in the summer or winter sports enthusiasts in the colder months – quick accessibility is a crucial factor in choosing a destination. Klaus Grabler of Manova GmbH provided data-driven insights demonstrating the strong correlation between tourist demand and the frequency and quality of flight connections.
Challenges posed by geopolitics and rising costs
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, industry representatives didn't shy away from addressing current challenges. Bettina Ganghofer, CEO of Salzburg Airport, pointed to the current turbulent times. Geopolitical conflicts are leading to widespread airspace closures, lengthening flight routes and increasing complexity within the system. At the same time, rising kerosene prices and increasing operating costs are putting a strain on airlines' calculations. In this volatile environment, it is all the more important to counteract these challenges with a strong destination portfolio and close partnerships.
Edi Wolfensberger, COO of Eurowings, and Stephan Erler of easyJet provided insights into the operational realities of airlines. For low-cost carriers and network airlines alike, attractive location conditions and efficient ground handling are crucial for operating routes profitably. Alexander Vagacs of Avcon Jet also contributed the perspective of business aviation, which represents an important complement to scheduled air travel for the regional economy, particularly for time-critical business trips.
A century as a bridge to the world
Looking back on 100 years of Salzburg Airport reveals its evolution from a simple airfield to a modern infrastructure service provider. The positive feedback from the local population, mentioned by Bettina Ganghofer, testifies to the airport's deep roots in the region. The collaboration between aviation and tourism is seen in Salzburg as a key factor for success, one that will be further strengthened in the future.
The event made it clear that Salzburg's position as an aviation hub can only be secured in the long term by uniting the interests of all stakeholders – from politicians and airlines to cultural institutions. The AIA, as the umbrella organization, plays a crucial role in representing the industry's concerns at the national and international levels and fostering dialogue between the sectors.