Düsseldorf Airport: Trump effect stops USA flights-what now?
Düsseldorf Airport: Trump effect stops USA flights-what now?
The aviation industry in Germany, especially at Düsseldorf Airport, is faced with considerable challenges. The managing director Lars Redeligx stated that the desired restoration of direct connections to the USA remains uncertain by a so-called "Trump effect". Despite the increased passenger volume of over 20 million passengers in 2024, it can be seen that no direct US flights are currently planned. Before the pandemic, there were numerous connections to the United States, which are no longer available, which the airport operators are concerned.
In 2024, the Düsseldorf Airport recorded an increase in passengers by 4.8 % compared to 2023. The totality of flight movements rose by 2.7 % to a total of 155,600. However, these developments are not sufficient to stabilize the industry sustainably, especially with regard to international connections. Redeligx also criticizes the taxes and fees that have been doubled since 2019, which represent a burden on the location and reduce competitiveness in an international comparison.
investments for the future
As part of the strategic planning, Co-managing director Pradeep Pinakatt announced investments of one billion euros in the next 20 years, which should primarily serve the passenger processes and the quality of stay at the airport. This is a reaction to the challenges that the aviation industry has experienced as a result of Corona pandemic. Germany currently only reaches 85 % of the air traffic performance of before pandemic, which indicates the strong slump in 2020, followed by a slow recovery in 2021 and 2022.
In addition, measures are taken to increase the popularity of the offers. A popular visitor terrace, which is currently being rebuilt, is to be reopened after the work on weekends in the second half of 2025. This could help strengthen the character of the airport and attract more visitors.
A look into the future
for 2025 is expected to increase to around 21 million passengers. Despite the positive forecasts, the airport remains under massive pressure due to high location costs and the need to adapt to the changing market conditions. The efforts to restore international connections, especially North America, have top priority for Redeligx and his team. The uncertainties in international air traffic and the regulatory challenges must be overcome in order to secure Düsseldorf's competitiveness as a significant aviation circuit.
The situation at Düsseldorf Airport illustrates how strongly the air traffic industry depends on global influences and political decisions. This dynamic not only affects the flight plans, but also the economic future of the location.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Quellen | |