CDU sounds the alarm: flight connections in Münsterland are threatened!

CDU sounds the alarm: flight connections in Münsterland are threatened!

In a worrying initiative, several CDU members of the Bundestag from Münsterland and Osnabrücker Land have sent an incendiary letter to Chancellor Merz and Vice Chancellor Klingbeil. This reports WDR.de. In the letter, MEPs express serious concerns about the stable economic situation, which is largely dominated by middle classes, and the future of air transport in their region.

A key concern of MPs is the high taxation of domestic flights and the exorbitant fees that airlines have to pay. In particular, the Lufthansa connection from Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO) to Munich is described as “irreplaceable” for connecting Münsterland to international economic centers. The worrying numbers speak for themselves: since 2019, aviation-related taxes and fees in Germany have more than doubled, putting a heavy burden on frequent flyers and airline operations.

Danger to jobs and competitiveness

The MPs warn that a loss of Munich flights could endanger the competitiveness of medium-sized companies in Münsterland. This would not only lead companies to the brink of existence, but would also threaten jobs in the region. The CDU politicians are therefore calling for an immediate abolition of double taxation on return flights within Germany. They propose a gradual reduction in the aviation tax and appeal to the federal government to put the issue on the agenda of the coalition committee in November.

The air traffic tax is currently around 15 euros for short-haul flights and almost 40 euros for medium-haul flights. This increase, which occurred in May 2024, is causing frustration among travelers and airlines across the country. The burdens represent a direct competitive disadvantage for air traffic in Germany, which is even leading to airlines reducing their connections.

Lack of financial flexibility

The pressure on German airports is growing because due to the high air traffic tax and location costs, flying in Germany is becoming more expensive than elsewhere in Europe. According to a report by Travel reporter There are currently no plans to reduce the ticket tax. The draft for the 2026 federal budget will be approved in the cabinet, and there is currently no financial scope to reduce the tax. There is currently no discernible leeway in the federal budget, considering that reversing the increase would cost a mid-three-digit million amount.

The air traffic tax must be paid by the airlines for all passengers flying from Germany. It is therefore clear that the problem does not only affect Münster/Osnabrück Airport, but the entire German aviation market, which has only reached 84 percent of the pre-Corona level.

In the Steinfurt district, which is considered FMO's second-largest shareholder, those responsible support the CDU MPs' demands for competitive framework conditions for air traffic in Germany.

A strong signal to the federal government that there is an urgent need for action to protect the interests of medium-sized businesses and not to further burden air traffic.