BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (independent) has warned that costs for the German aviation industry are too high in international comparison. "Where costs are too high, we must find a way to reduce them," he told the German Press Agency. "But it's not just the federal government that is responsible, but also the federal states and operators."

The aviation industry is currently reporting to the federal government that the German location is significantly more expensive in international comparison and is demanding relief. "We are currently investigating this," said Wissing. "Where we identify problems, we have to solve them."

Wissing: Cabinet has decided on relief measures

The outgoing cabinet has already decided to abolish the quotas for the so-called power-to-liquid (PtL) share - an alternative fuel - of kerosene sold in Germany and to adapt them to European requirements. "Because national solo efforts must not place an unnecessary burden on our location. It is now up to Parliament to ensure legal certainty and avoid competitive disadvantages."

The government has also curbed the increase in air traffic control charges for the coming year. "We are a nation with strong exports and for this we need a connection via air traffic to the whole world," emphasized Wissing.

Significant increase in air safety charges from 2025

Air traffic in Germany has only recovered very slowly from the coronavirus crisis compared to the rest of Europe. The industry primarily blames this on high government-imposed fees and taxes. In addition to the air traffic control fees, these include the air traffic tax and the aviation security fee, which is charged for checking passengers and their hand luggage.

German air traffic control recently announced a significant increase in charges for its air traffic control services at the turn of the year. Overflights will therefore be 27 percent more expensive for airlines, while fees for take-offs and landings will be 40 percent higher than in the current year.

The federally owned company is merely implementing binding EU regulations, says DFS CEO Arndt Schoenemann. This requires, in a precisely defined procedure, that the shortfall in revenue accumulated during the coronavirus period be recouped in subsequent years. The air traffic control charges amounted to a maximum of six euros per flight ticket./maa/wim/hoe/ceb/DP/zb