German aviation association expects air travel costs to rise

Jens Bischof, CEO of the airline Eurowings and President of the German Aviation Association, speaks at a press conference. Bernd Weißbrod/dpa

Ticket prices for air travel in Germany are expected to rise, according to Jens Bischof, president of the German Aviation Association (BDL).

"Arrivals and departures in Germany will become significantly more expensive," Bischof told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group in a story published on Tuesday.

Although the higher aviation tax introduced in May is already reflected in ticket prices, Bischof said from January, the fee cap for airport security checks will increase from €10 ($10.50) to €15 per passenger.

Additionally, increased air traffic control costs are pushing airlines to pass on higher prices to customers, he said.

"Margins are already low. On average, an airline only earns five to 10 euros per passenger," said Bischof, who also heads the airline Eurowings.

Bischof stated that discussions are underway with politicians to explore ways to reduce costs for the aviation industry.

He urged the incoming German government to abolish the air traffic tax without a replacement and to discontinue the country's independent approach to the e-kerosene quota.

From 2025, airlines departing from the EU are required to cover an average of 2% of their fuel from sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), with this to rise to 70% by 2050.

He also called for the withdrawal of the planned increase in security control fees.