Airports in Germany have called for urgent measures to strengthen international connections, reduce costs, and ease bureaucracy in talks with Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder.
Representatives of Germany’s leading airports met with Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder to discuss the future of the country’s air transport. The main agenda items included maintaining international competitiveness, expanding direct flight connections, reducing bureaucracy, and lowering costs.
Following the meeting, the German Airports Association (ADV) stated that they are demanding stronger international connections, fair cost conditions, and less bureaucracy. ADV President and Berlin Airport director Aletta von Massenbach warned that Germany risks falling behind globally, saying, “Political action is essential to sustainably secure competitiveness and connectivity.”
Von Massenbach emphasised that air transport plays a critical role not only for the economy but also for society and tourism:
“Air travel is the most important means of transport for tourists wanting to explore Germany. It is also indispensable for passengers seeking access to the world. Globality and mobility complement each other.”
Industry representatives highlighted the lack of sufficient direct flights in Germany, noting that high taxes and fees increase operational costs, forcing airlines to move operations abroad and close routes. The prevailing message was: “Air travel must remain affordable.”
Airports also complained about congested airspace, additional controls, slow processes, and excessive regulations. Industry representatives stressed that air traffic control funding for smaller airports must be guaranteed and called for an end to the “gold plating” of EU regulations, which they say has been overly tightened in Germany.
The ADV stated that a “strategic push” is needed to overcome the reform bottleneck:
“Airports can only maintain their role as economic infrastructure, employers, and innovation drivers under fair conditions. The sector is ready to contribute to economic recovery, international connections, and climate transition. Now it is up to politics.”
