Munich Airport reports passenger decline amid new Thai Airways expansion

Munich Airport experienced a decline in passenger traffic and flight operations during the first half of the year. According to data from the State Statistical Office, take-offs and landings fell by 8.2 percent to 144,234, while passenger numbers decreased by 4.2 percent to 18.9 million. This performance was lower than both the German and European averages.

In contrast, smaller Bavarian airports saw growth. Nuremberg Airport recorded 2 million passengers, a 6.3 percent increase, and Memmingen Airport saw a 7.8 percent rise to 1.8 million passengers. Industry experts note that high costs in Germany, including aviation taxes and air traffic control fees, alongside fuel price volatility, have impacted the sector.

Despite recent declines, Munich Airport is expanding its international reach. Thai Airways has announced it will increase its service to Bangkok starting in December 2026. The airline will add three weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, bringing the total to ten weekly non-stop connections between Munich and the Thai capital.