Looking back over the last five years, it’s clear that a lot has changed in the aviation industry. Unfortunately, many major events have had a serious impact on key sectors of the economy, including logistics, tourism, and gastronomy. Kassel-Calden, the fragile newcomer among German airports, might have had a future, had the COVID-19 pandemic not brought the entire travel industry to a halt. For those who oppose air travel due to CO₂ emissions and environmental concerns, the crisis may have seemed like a positive development. However, for those in the travel sector, whose income and livelihood depended on it, the crisis was devastating.
Let’s take a closer look at Germany’s five largest airports.
Frankfurt, as the country’s main airport hub, is unsurprisingly number one. The data speaks for itself, needing no further explanation. However, there is an interesting detail regarding Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport. After the pandemic, many jobs were technically still available, but many workers had left. The catering and retail industries at the airport, as well as Fraport itself, felt the consequences. According to Statista.de, in 2019, Fraport employed an average of 22,514 people. By 2023, this number had dropped to 17,840.
During its mid-year conference, Fraport announced it was handling around 64 million passengers in Frankfurt. However, travel experts from fwv.de estimate that the actual number will end up in the lower 30 million range. This discrepancy raises questions: What factors are contributing to such different estimates? Similar corrections apply to other airports as well. Due to staffing shortages, Fraport and other airport operators are struggling to handle operations smoothly. This is particularly problematic for airlines, which are forced to adjust their flight schedules.
Passengers are often faced with long waiting times at check-in, baggage claim, and boarding areas, especially when planes are parked in remote stands. As a result, flight schedules are now regularly adjusted to match the availability of ground staff. This has also led to rising airfare, which might deter some travelers, perhaps helping to reduce unnecessary carbon footprints.
The personnel situation at German airports looks bleak when it comes to handling passenger numbers efficiently.
The future of German airports will depend on how quickly and effectively the industry can respond to these challenges. Solutions may include improving working conditions, targeted recruitment, and fostering skilled labor to address staffing shortages and restore a smoother travel experience. Creative strategies, such as flexible working hours and incentives to encourage former employees to return, could also help. Additionally, airlines could improve passenger loyalty through better communication and transparency, reducing frustration and increasing trust.
