Hamburg Airport: Total of 12.2 million passengers in 2009

Hamburg Airport reports passenger decline of 4.7 per cent From January to December, 2009, 12.2 million passengers passed through Hamburg Airport. This is around 600,000 passengers – or 4.7 per cent – less than in 2008. Aircraft movements decreased, too, by 8.5 per cent to 157,500 take-offs and landings.

“In 2009, the commercial and financial crisis had a significant effect on the aviation industry. The decline in passenger figures was nevertheless smaller than had been expected at the beginning of the year. After several months of significant decline, Hamburg Airport returned to slight growth in November and December,” explains Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO of Hamburg Airport. “We are starting out with careful optimism in 2010. Hamburg Airport will invest around 32 million euros in additional services and comfort for our passengers. It is our declared goal to be a good partner for our cus-tomers and a reliable employer for our staff.”

The decline in passenger figures became smaller in the course of the year, with -9.4 per cent in the first quarter, -7.4 per cent in the second quarter and -4.7 per cent in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw growth of 2.6 per cent. Each month from January to October 2009, the airport recorded less passengers than in the same month of 2008. In November and December, the number of passengers grew again. With 1.2 million passengers, October 2009 was the year’s busiest month. On average, 33,500 passengers passed through Hamburg Airport each day in 2009, with a daily average of 432 aircraft movements (216 take-offs and 216 landings).

New routes in summer timetable 2010

In 2009, 60 airlines operated direct flights to 125 destinations from Hamburg. New routes will be added in 2010: Air Berlin will fly sun-craving north Germans to Bari on Italy’s Adriatic coast and to Pristina. Germany’s second-largest airline will also be adding extra flights to Palma de Mallorca. Condor is launching services to Santorini, Kos, Ibiza and Jerez de la Frontera. The charter carrier will also increase its frequencies to Hurghada and Tenerife. The classic winter destinations of Larnaca, Arrecife and Agadir will also feature in Condor’s summer timetable for the first time. Germanwings, too, is expanding its operations from Hamburg Airport, with new services to Dubrovnik and Palma de Mallorca.

“In Hamburg, the airlines have reacted to 2009’s weak economy in a level-headed and stable way. Thanks to the commitment of our airline partners and their faith in Hamburg and the greater Hamburg region as a strong location, we are currently achieving moderate passenger growth again. We are delighted that the airlines have already announced eight new services from Hamburg Airport,” says Michael Eggenschwiler.

Outlook: moderate recovery at Hamburg Airport

Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO of Hamburg Airport, predicts a moderate recovery for the aviation industry in 2010: “Studies of the industry in the past have shown that aviation is a growth industry. Weak years have always been followed by a significant recovery in passenger figures. For 2010, we are expecting moderate growth in passenger figures. Hamburg Airport is well-equipped for the challenges of the future, with two state-of-the-art terminals, the Airport Plaza as a world of experiences for passengers, and the S-Bahn (metro rail network) connection. Our friendly, highly-qualified staff work hard to ensure passenger satisfaction, day in and day out.”