Munich Airport has seen cargo volumes continuing to grow with volumes increasing by four per cent to 163,000 tonnes in the first half of 2016.
The airport has seen take-offs and landings increase by 2.5 per cent to 191,000 and expects to see this increase by four per cent in 2017. Munich has seen a net gain of 23 new destinations with new long-haul flights including Lufthansa services to Denver and Tehran, Delta Air Lines flying non-stop to Detroit, Saudi Arabian Airlines connecting Munich with Riyadh and Condor adding Windhoek in Namibia to its network.
Munich Airport chief executive officer, Dr Michael Kerkloh says the growth reinforces the need for a third runway as it is getting harder to find slots during busy periods.
He says: “As the operators of this airport, we continue to plead passionately and tirelessly for our expansion project to be implemented in the near future.”
Munich Airport has all the necessary permits for the project and the lawsuits by opponents of expansion have been dismissed by the final court of appeal, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. Dr Kerkloh says once shareholders give the project the green light it will be up to the state government and city of Munich.
“Whether Munich Airport’s successful development as a European hub can be continued – with its positive impact on Bavaria’s economy and job picture – will depend, without doubt, on whether and when we are able to build the third runway.
