Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport: Business trips, future secured!

The Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport recorded a positive trend in the field of individual business trips in 2024. According to the airport report, the number of business flights rose to 2,536 in the current year, which corresponds to an increase of 15 percent compared to previous years. The Lufthansa connection to Munich in particular is very popular among business travelers and is well utilized. Roland Hüser, the airport managing director, was optimistic about the increasing demand and the recreational rate compared to 2019, which amounts to 118 percent.

Development leaves space for confidence that the initiative to continue the connection to Munich can be successful from June 2025. The airport actively supports the initiators' efforts to maintain this connection, which is of great importance for the region's economy. Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport serves as a home port for travelers from East Westphalia-Lippe, South Westphalia and adjacent regions, and offers a varied range of services that include line and tourism flights as well as business and private charter traffic. Since September 2024, the airport also has the name "Heinz Nixdorf" to commemorate the computer pioneer.

initiatives to secure the connection to Munich

The Lufthansa has announced that the route to Munich from summer 2025 has announced, mainly due to a high state cost burden. In order to cope with this challenge, a private initiative was launched, which is planning to establish its own flight operating company to operate the connection. District Administrator Christoph Rüther supports this initiative, as well as numerous entrepreneurs and private individuals who are financially committed.

In discussions between the airport managers and regional industrial and trade chambers, solutions are being worked on to maintain the flight connection. Dr. Carsten Linnemann, member of the Bundestag, plays a key role in initiating the foundation of the flight operating company. Christoph Plass, the board of the Unity and Vice President of the IHK Ostwestfalen zu Bielefeld, is in charge of this project. In addition, Lufthansa, together with a regional airline, checks the possibility of continuing the transfer connection via Munich and an interline agreement with an operating airline.