Aviation Group Sees Congestion, Delays at German Airports in Summer
Frankfurt — The air transport industry fears greater restrictions in German airspace in the early summer, which could lead to delays, the German Aviation Association (BDL) said in Berlin on Wednesday.
In addition to the Ukraine war, the BDL cited NATO's planned manoeuvre in Germany, "Air Defender 2023," in which up to 200 fighter jets from various NATO partners are to take part in June.
According to NATO, the exercise is designed to enhance its aviation capabilities and "reinforce the overall deterrence posture in the air domain."
The BDL wants to keep the large-scale exercise's impact on the "already highly congested German airspace" to a minimum.
The trade group sees renewed increases in passenger numbers, following downturns due to the coronavirus, but said departures from Germany to European and intercontinental destinations would reach 88% of pre-crisis levels, lagging behind other European countries.
The biggest growth will take place at the hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, as well as at some smaller airports such as Dortmund and Nürnberg, where direct airlines have expanded their services.
On the other hand, the supply at the medium-sized locations like Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover and Stuttgart will recover at a below-average rate.
Airports and airlines want to avoid renewed chaos in the handling area. The industry has been preparing intensively for summer travel season, assured BDL President and Munich Airport chief executive Jost Lammers. Airports have improved check-in, aircraft handling, baggage tracking processes and are working on the "challenging" recruitment of staff.
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