Vienna Airport competitiveness and aviation tax debate

Vienna Airport reported a 3.2 percent decline in passenger numbers during the first half of the year, totaling 14.3 million travelers. CEO Günther Ofner has called for the abolition of flight levies, noting that high location costs are impacting competitiveness. He highlighted that low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair are shifting operations to Bratislava, where costs are approximately one-third lower. Ofner criticized ticket levies, which range from 12 to 30 euros for short-haul flights, arguing they drive traffic toward neighboring regions.

Regional leaders in Vienna and Lower Austria have joined these calls, urging the Austrian federal government to abolish aviation taxes to protect regional economic competitiveness and international connectivity. They noted that Wizz Air has already departed from Vienna and Ryanair has relocated several aircraft to Slovakia. While Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke proposed 30 million euros in annual crisis aid for the aviation sector, airport officials suggest this will be insufficient to offset passenger losses. Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner stated the government will examine ways to strengthen competitiveness, including the possibility of easing levies, while balancing economic opportunities against budgetary constraints.

Industry groups, including Aviation Industry Austria (AIA) and the Association of Austrian Airports (AÖV), have intensified these demands. AIA Managing Director Peter Malanik suggests that reducing the levy could attract 2.5 million additional passengers annually, potentially creating 2,500 jobs and generating 188 million euros in value. Industry representatives noted that only seven of the 27 EU member states impose a national flight levy. Recent data from January to September 2026 shows Vienna International Airport's passenger numbers fell by 4.5%, while Bratislava Airport's volume more than doubled.