Reduced airport activity at BER linked to escalating expenses, says association
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is still experiencing significantly lower passenger numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels, with various factors contributing to this trend.
The aviation industry worldwide has faced unprecedented challenges since the pandemic, including restrictions, economic instability, and changes in consumer behavior. These factors have slowed down the recovery rates for many airports, including BER [2]. In Germany, air traffic has not fully recovered, with passenger numbers 15.8% below pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2025 [5].
Economic conditions and regulatory challenges can influence travel demand. Airlines have criticized certain government policies, which may further impact passenger numbers [5]. High costs, such as taxes and charges, have led to the reduction of domestic flights by half, as they apply at both departure airports [1].
Competition in the aviation market is another factor. Other European airports may be attracting more passengers due to better infrastructure, connectivity, or competitive pricing, which could impact BER's growth [1][3]. The withdrawal of aircraft from Germany has resulted in the loss of over 10,000 jobs and over four billion euros in annual value added [4].
BER itself faced operational challenges during its opening phase, which coincided with the pandemic. While these challenges have led to opportunities for innovation and improvement, they may have also contributed to slower growth in passenger numbers [2].
The airline association criticizes the increase in air traffic tax by the traffic light government in May 2024 and demands a reversal, as provided for in the coalition agreement of the current government [3]. Low-cost airlines in Germany either make small profits or increase their ticket prices to fly economically, with ticket prices ranging between 66 and 110 euros [6].
Current surveys by the Berlin-Brandenburg Statistical Office confirm a decline in passenger flights from Berlin Airport. In the second quarter of this year, only 6.83 million passengers started and landed, compared to 6.86 million in the same period last year [7]. The reason for the decline is that airlines are withdrawing their aircraft and using them in other European countries with a competitive cost level [1].
Meanwhile, the number of city visitors is decreasing, with travelers visiting Copenhagen or Barcelona instead of Berlin [8]. In the first half of the year, the number of passengers at German airports was around 15.8% below the 2019 level [9]. The association demands that the state costs of 4500 to 5000 euros per flight on a European connection be halved [3].
In summary, the combination of these factors—broader industry trends, economic conditions, regulatory challenges, market competition, and specific operational challenges—contributes to the lower passenger numbers at BER compared to pre-pandemic levels. The aviation industry, including BER, continues to navigate these challenges as the world recovers from the pandemic.
