Hamburg, December 10 – Hamburg Airport is projected to serve around 14.7 million passengers by the close of 2025, according to Airport CEO Christian Kunsch, speaking at the Aviation Press Club. This figure represents a marginal decline from the 14.8 million passengers recorded in 2024 and remains notably below the approximately 17 million annual passengers before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenging Market Conditions Persist
Kunsch highlighted the persistent difficulties within the aviation market. He forecasts only modest growth for 2026, indicating that passenger demand remains somewhat subdued. Travellers are reportedly more cautious about their spending and travel choices.
A significant factor contributing to the stagnation is the continued reduction in domestic flights within Germany. This trend is partly attributed to the increased use of video conferencing, which has replaced many business trips.
Aircraft Availability and Consumer Caution
Another constraint cited by Kunsch is the limited availability of aircraft that airlines could deploy additionally at Hamburg Airport. This shortage restricts the capacity for growth, even if demand were to increase more substantially.
The CEO’s remarks underscore a broader shift in travel behaviour and operational challenges facing the aviation sector post-pandemic. While international travel has seen a resurgence in many areas, specific regional and domestic markets, like Hamburg’s, are still grappling with a return to previous levels of activity.
Looking Ahead: Modest Growth Expected
Despite the current stagnation, the airport management remains focused on navigating these complex market dynamics. The expectation of only slight growth in 2026 suggests a period of continued adjustment rather than a rapid recovery to pre-pandemic volumes. The emphasis is on adapting to altered consumer habits and addressing supply-side limitations, such as aircraft availability.
The insights provided by Christian Kunsch offer a realistic outlook on the current state and near-term prospects for Hamburg Airport, reflecting broader trends in the aviation industry where full recovery is proving to be a gradual and multifaceted process.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/passagierzahlen-am-hamburger-flughafen-stagnieren,kurzehh-1798.html
