Press release

Hamburg Airport: stable traffic figures in a difficult market environment

Hamburg
03.01.2020

Press release Hamburg Airport

For 2019, Hamburg Airport recorded stable passenger figures at a constant high level. The year was characterised by a difficult market environment. Increasing cost pressure and a weakening economy led to the insolvency of established airlines and tour operators. At the same time, Hamburg’s route network remains diverse and passengers want to travel as much as ever. For 2020, the airport expects the consolidation of traffic numbers to continue.

Stable passenger figures despite changing environment
In 2019, 17.3 million passengers used Hamburg Airport, approx. 0.4 percent more than in 2018. With around 155,000 take-offs and landings, the number of aircraft movements in 2019, however, declined by 0.8 percent from the previous year’s figure.

“Recent years have seen noticeable changes in Hamburg Airport’s market environment,” says Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO of Hamburg Airport. “Aviation is becoming more volatile and less predictable. The airlines and airports are experiencing increasing cost pressure, making airport planning less certain. But: the desire to travel is unwavering and flying has become an everyday commodity.”

The average number of passengers per flight in 2019 was 124.0, compared to an average of 123.0 in 2018. The average number of seats per flight has increased from 157 to 159. The load factor on flights to and from Hamburg Airport declined below by 0.4 percentage points to 77.9 percent in comparison to 2018.

Outlook for 2020: Focus on route diversity
Hamburg Airport is forecasting stable passenger figures for the current year. “Just like 2019, the coming year is likely to be shaped by intensive realignment within the aviation market,” according to Michael Eggenschwiler. “We are therefore currently planning with slight growth in passenger figures. European airlines are repositioning themselves and our operating environment will be undergoing dynamic development. We, Hamburg Airport, want to remain an attractive employer and a reliable partner. Together, we want to continue to ensure the mobility that people want.”

Route diversity for Hamburg’s passengers will continue to expand. Several attractive new destinations have already been announced for the 2020 summer timetable, with flights commencing to Tallinn, Vilnius, Milan Linate, Larnaca and Preveza.