German airports see passenger dip and fewer flights as tax debate intensifies

Based on · First reported 2 Oct 2026

In August, German airports recorded a 0.2% drop in passenger numbers while European airports grew by 3.1%, and the total flights in Germany were 17.8% lower than in 2019.
Industry groups say the decline is linked to a shortage of suitable connections, prompting the ADV to call for a temporary suspension and eventual removal of the air traffic tax, a move Sweden took in mid‑2025 that led to a 9% rise in flights by year‑end.

Sources