Dresden is losing passengers: the airport is fighting for the future!

Dresden is losing passengers: the airport is fighting for the future!

There is a clear imbalance in the aviation landscape of Central Germany, and the future of Dresden Airport is in the balance. While Leipzig/Halle Airport recorded a 4.7% increase in passenger numbers in 2023, Dresden suffered a decline of 5.1%, which is reflected in a worrying development. How Thuringia24 reports, Dresden is struggling with dwindling passenger numbers and an uncertain future.

Leipzig/Halle Airport already has 29 destinations in 13 countries in its 2024 summer flight schedule, while Dresden lags behind significantly with only 14 destinations in 7 countries. This not only reflects the attractiveness of the two airports, but also the regional differences in aviation development. Leipzig/Halle Airport remains not only an important passenger center, but also the world's largest DHL hub with around 1.4 million tons of air freight in 2024.

Looking into the future

Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG (MFAG) still sees potential in Dresden, particularly with regard to settlements, infrastructure and company traffic. CEO Götz Ahmelmann emphasizes the need for smart investments in the region in order to secure flight connections and increase the attractiveness of the airport. Nevertheless, the airport also faces challenges: 250 administrative positions are to be cut by 2026, and Saxony-Anhalt plans to withdraw from financial support for the airport from 2027. Finance Minister Michael Richter (CDU) made it clear that Saxony-Anhalt no longer wanted to be involved in the airport's losses.

This withdrawal could have far-reaching consequences. Because without a viable concept, Dresden is at risk of being decoupled from international aviation. Although the Free State of Saxony plans to provide a total of 100 million euros for the airport by 2026, the city of Dresden, as a co-shareholder, also remains responsible for securing the future of the location.

Regional challenges

Criticism comes from the Greens, in particular from MP Thomas Löser, who spoke out against the permanent subsidization of the airport. He calls for a discussion about alternative uses for the site, be it for conferences or business. This could represent a future-oriented solution to make the location more sustainable.

Looking at the European passenger numbers, it can be seen that aviation has recovered strongly in 2023. 973 million passengers represented an increase of 19.3% compared to 2022, but the numbers are still below the level of 2019. This shows that the entire system is facing challenges that will not stop at Dresden. AeroInternational reports that domestic German traffic at Dresden Airport is around 50% below pre-Corona levels, which underlines the need for a quick and sustainable solution.

The next few years, especially 2027, will be crucial for the renegotiation of grants and responsibilities. It remains to be seen whether decision-makers in Saxony and Dresden will set the right course to give Dresden Airport a positive turnaround and maintain it as an important hub in the region.

The future of the airport remains exciting and a lot depends on how those responsible will react to current developments. If smart decisions are made, Dresden could once again benefit as an attractive point of contact for travelers in central Germany - otherwise there is a risk of being decoupled from international aviation.