Upper Austria Landtag approves state purchase of 50% of Linz Airport

The Upper Austrian Landtag voted on 1 October to buy the city’s half‑share in Linz‑Hörsching Airport and earmarked funds for further investment. A new manager took over the same day as the deal was confirmed.

The Upper Austrian Landtag approved the purchase of the city’s 50 % stake in Linz Airport. The preliminary purchase price was set at €1.325 million. The state plans to invest an additional €5 million in the airport by 2027 to make it attractive to a strategic investor. Jörg Ebbighausen became the new manager of Linz‑Hörsching Airport on 1 October. Passenger numbers in July and August fell 13.5 % year‑on‑year to 68,699, while flights dropped 16.6 % to 890. Cargo volume fell about 36‑37.5 % to roughly 1,713 tons after Turkish Airlines withdrew its cargo flights, with the shortfall partly covered by truck transport. State ownership and the planned €5 million investment aim to improve the airport’s commercial appeal, which could affect future revenue and distribution opportunities. The recent decline in passengers, flights and cargo highlights revenue pressure for the airport and its airline partners.

Upper Austria will seek private investors for up to 49 % of the airport’s shares.