Alarm on Altenrhein: Closure of the airport threatens due to savings plans!

Alarm on Altenrhein: Closure of the airport threatens due to savings plans!

Airport Altenrhein, an important air traffic system in Eastern Switzerland, faces an existential threat in view of the planned cuts of subsidies by the Swiss Federal Council. As Vol.at , this could be avoided for the airport if the planned cancellation of the financial support of CHF 25 million is realized. These cuts would primarily affect air traffic control, which is currently being financed by mineral oil tax at around 60 regional airports in Switzerland.

The discussion about these savings has already triggered violent criticism from the canton of St. Gallen. Politicians warn that the intended relief package 2027 (E27) is considered "not economically unacceptable and at risk of existence" for the airport. Thomas Krutzler, Managing Director of People’s Air Group, commented on the economic effects of a loss of federal contributions to the economy of the airport. Altenrhein is particularly important for the connection to Vienna, which is used by around 70,000 passengers annually.

economic and infrastructural importance

Airport Altenrhein has established itself as a decisive infrastructure for international companies in the region. The airline People’s offers regular flights to Vienna, which means that the airport plays a central role as a feeder. Last year, around 70,000 passengers started or landed on average, including around 35,000 charter passengers.

In addition, there are 2025 construction work in the summer of 2025, in which the cover covering of the 1500 meter long runway is to be renovated. However, it is feared that the financial bottlenecks could endanger the company during these important measures, especially since air traffic must be stopped for three weeks in August 2025.

political demands and perspectives

The location at Altenrhein Airport is not just a regional problem. The airport is part of the overarching debate about the Swiss government's savings plans, which is aiming for a budget relief of around CHF 4 billion. The group of experts, which plans these savings, has identified 85 possible areas. In the aviation sector, a savings potential of CHF 25 million is aimed at, which would particularly affect the regional airports. aerotelegraph should only be reported that measures are in the interests of the federal government.

The canton of St. Gallen appeals to politics to recognize the airport as a critical infrastructure. The airport manager Krutzler also demands alternative savings options, especially in connection with the increased fees of air traffic control by Skyguide. Negotiations on austerity measures begin in January and it is expected that any changes from 2026 will be legally binding.

Overall, the situation at Altenrhein Airport draws wide circles and could also have an impact on future air traffic policy in Switzerland, which would affect both the affected passengers and the regional economy.