aviation : Prime Ministers demand relief – Aviation.Direct

The competitiveness of Germany as an aviation location is increasingly being put to the test. While airports in neighboring countries such as the Netherlands, France and Poland are experiencing growth, German airports are struggling with rising location costs, a declining number of stationed aircraft and the exodus of airlines. Die Prime Minister’s Conference (MPK) has now approved a catalog of measures to secure the economic future of German aviation. This decision is made as an urgent appeal to the federal government.

German airports, once hubs of international air traffic, are increasingly suffering from high regulatory costs. Die Aviation taxthe airlines have to pay per passenger, and increasingly Aviation security fees put a considerable strain on the industry. Airlines are withdrawing because operations in Germany are often less profitable and also in European locations.

ADV General Manager Ralph Beisel emphasizes the importance of this problem: “The competitiveness of air transport is closely linked to the economic strength and jobs in the regions.” According to Beisel, the abolition of the air traffic tax could be a decisive step in allowing airlines to expand their flight programs at German airports again move.

Actions required

The MPK needs concrete steps to improve the situation:

1. Reduction in aviation tax: This tax is considered a key cost factor that puts German airports at a disadvantage in international comparison.
2. No increase in aviation security fees: The increase planned from January 2025 would mean additional financial burdens for airlines.
3. Improving connectivity: The prime ministers are calling for air transport agreements with third countries in order to strengthen connections to important markets such as the USA or Asia.
4. ReFuelAviation Regulation: The German blending quota for Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels is criticized as an isolated measure. A uniform regulation across Europe is seen as necessary in order to avoid distortions of competition.

International competitiveness

A comparison with European neighbors shows how much pressure German airports are under in international competition. country like France and Italian Airlines lure with tax breaks, while German airports are burdened by special national regulations. The MPK sees a need for action here and is calling on the federal government to take targeted measures to create equal competitive conditions within the European Union.

Future prospects for air transport

The Prime Minister’s demands go beyond short-term relief. Securing the Connectivity – i.e. the connection of important economic regions to international air traffic – is seen as a key factor for Germany’s economic future. Airports are not only hubs for passengers, but also logistical centers that promote economic growth and trade.

The MPK resolution could be a decisive template for the next federal government. The aim is to make Germany more attractive for airlines again, open new routes and offer passengers a wider range of options. Ralph Beisel expresses the hope that the conclusions will be incorporated into the upcoming coalition agreement and that politicians will take the challenges facing the industry seriously.

Political reactions and outlook

The MPK’s demands have already sparked initial discussions in political circles. Business associations support the proposed measures, while critics warn of possible loss of revenue due to the abolition of the aviation tax. Nevertheless, there seems to be a growing consensus that an effective aviation sector is of central importance for Germany’s competitiveness.

It remains to be seen whether the federal government will implement the required measures. However, it is clear that the pressure is increasing: without relief, there is a risk of further exodus of airlines and a weakening of the aviation industry – with far-reaching consequences for the economy and the labor market.