Klagenfurt Airport: Retroast or Financial Disaster?

Klagenfurt Airport: Retroast or Financial Disaster?

The Klagenfurt Airport has gone through a turbulent development in recent years, which is associated with increasing concerns about the future of the aviation infrastructure in Carinthia. Since 2018, the airport has belonged to 74.9 % of the Lilihill Group, which acquired the shares from Carinthian politics for 8.1 million euros. At that time, investor Franz Peter Orasch announced major plans, including the construction of a new terminal, a hotel and a trade fair center. But the reality looks different: the number of passengers dropped from 523,000 in 2005 to only 82,562 in 2022, which the State Audit Office described as a "amateur". In 2023, these developments led to the state of Carinthia bought the shares for 3.24 million euros, while the city of Klagenfurt was planning to transfer its 20 % to the country free of charge.

With the regeneration in the commercial register, the airport is now kept 80 % by the Carinthian participation administration and 20 % by the city of Klagenfurt. This measure is no coincidence, because the Lilihill Group has not yet implemented its announced expansion plans. In addition, the number of passengers 2022 remained below 100,000. Political arguments between the parties SPÖ, ÖVP, FPÖ, Greens and Team Carinthia shape the discussion about responsibility and transparency in terms of airport.

political arguments and future prospects

The SPÖ had blocked the ÖVP's advances for regenailing before the state election in March 2024, but after the election with the coalition partners, worked towards an agreement to exercise a purchase option. Mayor Christian Scheider has demanded clear conditions and emphasizes the need to revitalize the airport. This revival could be funded by the announced direct flights to Hamburg between January and March 2024. Vice Mayor Philipp Liesnig emphasizes the development of non -operational land, which could create additional sources of income.

The political situation is also complicated by the discoveries of the state development courtyard, which have uncovered illegal billing and inappropriate practices in 2025. The Lilihill Group planned to use 51 hectares of airport areas without any necessary approval, which was stopped thanks to an injunction. Despite the promise of transparency, parts of the contracts remain secret, which increases the pressure on those responsible.

Current passenger development and challenges