Hamburg Airport presents positive balance for 2023

29 April 2024

Figures back in black for first time since pandemic - sharp rise in passenger numbers

Hamburg Airport is on the upswing after presenting a better-than-expected balance sheet for 2023 and with a profit of EUR 6.6 million. This comes after a recovery in passenger numbers and the successful management of the energy crisis. The multi-million euro HAM-upgrade scheme is set to prepare the airport for the coming years.

Sharp rise in passenger numbers

"The results we achieved in previous years, and which benefited the city of Hamburg, have not yet been achieved. The financial cuts during the three years of the pandemic were simply too severe. But we have achieved the turnaround faster than expected," said Christian Kunsch, CEO of Hamburg Airport. The return to profit is mainly due to a strong rise in passenger numbers. Around 13.6 million passengers passed through the airport in 2023 (2022: 11.1 million; 2019: 17.3 million), most of whom were travelling privately. Thus, Hamburg has made the best recovery of all the major airports. Hamburg Airport is now expecting growth of 5 per cent this year.

Around 1,750 employees at Hamburg Airport

The number of employees at Hamburg Airport remains stable level at around 1,750 employees. A record 20 apprentices were trained in ten professions last year and will rise to 26 in 11 professions this year. Ground handling services are also being expanded. "This year, we are also adding foreign staff to our team and hope that they will stay on board in the long term," said Berit Schmitz, Managing Director of Hamburg Airport.

"HAM Upgrade" scheme for airport

The airport is investing more than EUR 10 million through 2027 as part of the HAM Upgrade scheme. This will result in technical improvements, on-site staffing, maintenance, new lifts, escalators, revolving doors and sanitary facilities in the terminal. Some measures will be in place this summer.
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