Record-breaking year for wars at Hamburg Airport, 2024
Hamburg Airport Experiences Record Year in 2024, Welcoming Nearly a Million More Passengers Compared to 2023. The airport recorded approximately 14.83 million travelers in the previous year, according to airport officials.
The increase represents a nearly 9% rise in passenger numbers compared to 2023. Christian Kunsch, chairman of the airport's management board, expressed delight, stating, "Our expectations have been exceeded." He attributed the surge in travel, particularly in private journeys and long-haul destinations, to greater demand.
Additionally, the average commercial flight saw a higher-than-ever aircraft occupancy, with about ten extra seats filled compared to 2019 levels, despite registering fewer passengers overall in 2024 compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
uncertain future for Hamburg Airport
While 2025 could see another northern airport reaping the benefits, it remains unclear how the figures for 2024 will unfold. AirBaltic announced plans to cancel a scheduled route between Hamburg and Tallinn earlier in the year, and Ryanair reduced its Hamburg offerings by 60%. Eurowings and Condor have also axed several destinations.
The companies have blamed the airport for increasing landing fees, which they attribute to the April-announced fee increases. However, the airport remains optimistic about maintaining the current level of demand and supply in 2025.
Potential Alternatives for Travelers in the North
Ryanair aims to offer flights from Lübeck-Blankensee Airport to Mallorca, Málaga, and London Stansted starting March 2023. With only around 70,000 passengers using Lübeck-Blankensee in 2024, there is potential for this number to grow in the future.
(Enrichment Data) The planned runway maintenance at Hamburg Airport in 2025 will not lead to significant diversions to Lübeck-Blankensee Airport. The airport maintenance is structured to maintain nearly all flight activity within Hamburg Airport, mainly through operational adjustments. The current industry-wide issues such as pilot shortages are also not leading to specific diversions from Hamburg to Lübeck.
References:[1] "Hamburg Airport: Details of Runway Maintenance." Airport Guide, https://www.airport-guide.com/europe/hamburg/
[3] "Hamburg Airport Runway Maintenance." Aviation Pros, https://www.aviationpros.com/press-release/13666664/hamburg-airport-runway-maintenance
[5] "North American Pilot Shortage Hits European Airlines." Sky News, https://news.sky.com/story/north-american-pilot-shortage-hits-european-airlines-12050749
- The uncertain future for Hamburg Airport may lead travelers to explore alternatives, with Ryanair planning to offer flights from Lübeck-Blankensee Airport to popular destinations such as Mallorca, Málaga, and London Stansted starting in March 2023.
- Despite the potential for increased passenger numbers at Lübeck-Blankensee Airport, the airport experienced lower usage in 2024, with only around 70,000 passengers, indicating a shift in travel patterns within the region.
- Looking forward to 2025, potential challenges for Hamburg Airport include airline companies citing increased landing fees as a reason for reducing their offerings and axing destinations, as well as industry-wide issues like pilot shortages, but the airport remains optimistic about maintaining its current level of demand and supply.
