Dresden, December 12 – The vital flight connection between Dresden and Munich, operated by Lufthansa, will be maintained. This announcement comes after the airline had expressed concerns over high operating costs in Germany, putting the route’s future in question.
Lufthansa Reconsiders Amid Cost Reductions
A spokesperson for Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG confirmed the decision, initially reported by the “Sächsische Zeitung.” Lufthansa had previously considered discontinuing the route, along with several others, citing high location-specific costs in Germany. However, following an announced reduction in air traffic tax, the airline agreed to reconsider its plans, ultimately opting to continue the Dresden-Munich service.
This decision is a significant relief for the region, as the potential cancellation of domestic flights had raised concerns among local businesses and authorities about the connectivity of entire regions. Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG, had previously urged the federal government to reduce site costs to ensure such vital connections remain viable.
New Direct Route to South Tyrol Boosts Winter Connectivity
In related news, Dresden Airport has also introduced a new direct flight connection to South Tyrol. As of Wednesday, December 10, SkyAlps will operate flights twice a week to Bolzano, the regional capital situated in the heart of South Tyrol’s winter sports regions. These flights will run on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the winter season.
This new route is expected to significantly boost tourism and accessibility for winter sports enthusiasts from the Dresden area, offering a direct link to popular destinations like Bolzano.
Airport Faces Passenger Volume Challenges
Despite these positive developments, airports in Central Germany, including Dresden, continue to grapple with challenges related to passenger volume and flight frequency. The winter flight schedule, which commenced on Wednesday, highlights the ongoing struggle to attract sufficient passengers and increase take-offs and landings in passenger operations. Dresden, in particular, has felt the strain, with local businesses expressing concerns about the economic impact of insufficient air traffic.
The decision by Lufthansa to maintain the Dresden-Munich route, coupled with the introduction of the new South Tyrol connection, underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen air travel options from Dresden, even as the airport navigates broader challenges in the aviation sector.
Source: mdr.de
