Decline in air travelers: Germany is becoming less attractive!

Decline in air travelers: Germany is becoming less attractive!

At German airports there has been a significant decline in the proportion of passengers heading to Germany as a holiday destination. According to the airport association ADV, this share fell from 32 percent in 2017 to just 21 percent in 2024. An extensive survey involving more than 125,000 participants showed that both an insufficient supply of air travel and high taxes and government fees are seen as the main reasons for this development. ADV Managing Director Ralph Beisel expressed concern that Germany has lost its attractiveness since the pandemic.

The decline is particularly noticeable among business travelers, whose share has fallen to just 20 percent. In return, however, there is growth in private travel, particularly through visits to relatives and friends as well as short city trips and events.

Trends in travel behavior

The ADV passenger survey, which was published on August 15, 2023, shows a clear trend in passenger structure and travel behavior. The proportion of passengers under 30 has risen to 29 percent, while more than 54 percent of air travelers are under 40 years old. This shows that the younger generation is becoming increasingly interested in flying. In addition, the proportion of female passengers has also increased to 48 percent.

It is noteworthy that 80 percent of passengers fly for private or tourist reasons. Compared to 2008, there was a 19 percent increase in private air travel. At the same time, the proportion of business travelers fell by 21 percent to 20 percent in the same period.

Impact on airlines

These developments have a profound impact on the economic situation of airports. Fraport AG, operator of Frankfurt Airport, reported a loss of 26.4 million euros in the first quarter of 2025, while a profit of 12.7 million euros was recorded in the same period last year. From January to March 2025, there were 12.4 million passengers in Frankfurt, which corresponds to a decrease of almost one percent compared to the previous year.

What is particularly striking is that 48 percent of passengers drive to the airport in their own car. This data highlights the need for the aviation industry to adapt to the changing needs of travelers and increase competitiveness.

In order to increase Germany's attractiveness as a travel destination again, the ADV is calling for the aviation tax to be abolished without replacement, based on the Swedish model. The challenges are clear and the industry is under pressure to find innovative solutions to halt falling passenger numbers and attract more tourists to the country.

The developments resulting from the results of the passenger survey and the current figures from the airports have far-reaching consequences for the German tourism industry and the entire aviation sector. A rethink is required here in order to increase the attractiveness of air travel again and promote sustainable growth.