Key Facts
• August 11, 2025: German Aviation Association (BDL) issues warning on economic losses.
• Parking costs for airlines in Germany have more than doubled since 2019.
• Aircraft stationed in Germany dropped from 190 in 2019 to 130 in 2025.
• Estimated loss of 10,000 jobs and €4 billion ($4.66 billion) in annual economic value.
• Taxes, control fees, and security costs increased by €1.1 billion to €4.4 billion in 2025.
• Passenger growth in the first half of 2025 slowed to 3%, down from 10% in 2024.
• Germany’s seat capacity is 87% of 2019 levels, below the European average of 104%.
• BDL criticizes the May 2024 airport tax hike, urging government to prioritize recovery.
Summary
The German Aviation Association (BDL) has raised concerns over the economic impact of rising parking costs for airlines in Germany. Since 2019, these costs have more than doubled, leading to a significant reduction in stationed aircraft, from 190 to 130. This decline has resulted in an estimated loss of 10,000 jobs and €4 billion ($4.66 billion) in annual economic value. Taxes, control fees, and security costs have surged by €1.1 billion, reaching €4.4 billion in 2025, further hindering the aviation sector’s recovery post-pandemic. Passenger growth has slowed to 3% in the first half of 2025, with Germany’s seat capacity at 87% of pre-pandemic levels, lagging behind the European average of 104%. The BDL has criticized the 2024 airport tax hike and urged the government to prioritize the recovery of the aviation industry.
