Hamburg Airport has defied initial expectations of a loss and achieved a profit of 6.6 million euros in the 2023 financial year, marking a return to profitability for the first time since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport had projected a deficit of -9.7 million euros, but the faster-than-anticipated recovery in passenger numbers and the airport’s resilience during the energy crisis contributed to the positive result.
The airport’s turnover surged from 216.7 million euros in 2022 to 259.4 million euros in 2023, an increase of 42.7 million euros (around 20%). This growth is mainly attributed to the significant rise in passenger numbers, with approximately 13.6 million passengers passing through Hamburg Airport in 2023 compared to 11.1 million in 2022 and 17.3 million in 2019. Notably, there was a surge in demand from private travelers.
Hamburg Airport has also implemented cost reduction and revenue-enhancing measures, which have contributed to its financial turnaround. The airport is currently implementing a modernization program, “HAMUpgrade,” which aims to enhance terminal facilities, improve service quality, and increase efficiency for travelers. Tangible improvements are expected as early as this summer, including the extension of the Slot & Fly service, the installation of hand scanners on baggage machines, and the renovation and enhancement of terminal facilities.
With a stable staff count of approximately 1,750 employees, Hamburg Airport is also focusing on a sustainable personnel strategy and has a record number of trainees and dual students. The airport is exploring the feasibility of further improvements and is looking forward to the upcoming travel summer with confidence.
Hamburg Airport’s return to profitability and the implementation of its “HAMUpgrade” program underscore its commitment to providing a reliable and efficient experience for travelers in the coming years.
