Eurowings Cuts 1,000 Flights at Hamburg Airport in 2025 Due to Rising Costs

Eurowings, Germany's second-largest airline, has announced a significant reduction in its services at Hamburg Airport for 2025, citing rising location and infrastructure costs. The airline will cut over 1,000 flights to and from Hamburg next year, including the popular business route from Hamburg to Cologne/Bonn, and six additional destinations in Europe and North Africa.

Major Reductions in Flights

Eurowings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, is the leading airline at Hamburg Airport, currently operating 16 aircraft and offering direct flights to 70 destinations. However, due to what Eurowings describes as a "disproportionate increase in charges" at the airport, the airline will significantly reduce its service in 2025. This includes the complete elimination of the Hamburg-Cologne/Bonn route, long a favorite of business travelers.

Impact on Business and Leisure Travel

The planned reductions will make traveling to and from Hamburg more expensive and reduce direct flight options. Jens Bischof, CEO of Eurowings, expressed frustration over the cost increases, stating, “The reduced offer will significantly weaken the direct connection to Hamburg and make flying from the Hanseatic city noticeably more expensive. This development could have been avoided.”

Additional Destinations Affected

In addition to the domestic route between Hamburg and Cologne/Bonn, Eurowings plans to remove six other international destinations from Hamburg's schedule. While the specific routes have not been confirmed, the cuts will affect destinations in Europe and North Africa, further limiting direct travel options for both leisure and business travelers.

Further Cuts at Other German Airports Under Review

The reductions in Hamburg are just the beginning of what may become a broader strategy for Eurowings. The airline is also considering further route closures at other German airports, as rising costs across Europe are making many flights economically unsustainable. Eurowings is exploring the possibility of shifting flights to other EU countries with more favorable cost structures.

Challenges Facing the Airline Industry in Germany

The increased costs at Hamburg Airport are part of a larger issue affecting airlines across Germany. The cumulative burden of rising infrastructure fees, location costs, and other regulatory expenses is making it difficult for airlines to maintain profitability on many routes within the country. Eurowings' decision to cut its Hamburg services is a direct response to this challenging environment, and it may be a signal of more changes to come in the German airline industry.

For now, travelers to and from Hamburg Airport will need to brace for reduced options and potentially higher prices as Eurowings shifts its focus to other, more cost-effective locations.