Vienna Airport CEO Günther Ofner appeared on ORF's Zeit im Bild 2 Friday to address declining passenger numbers. He reported that Ryanair is currently withdrawing aircraft and canceling connections, shifting operations to more competitive international hubs.
Ofner is urging the government to halve the Austrian ticket tax to remain viable. He noted that neighboring Slovakia has abolished its tax entirely, while Germany has decided on reductions. The airport in Bratislava sits just 55 kilometers from Vienna.
The CEO claims the current tax structure directly benefits Bratislava at Vienna's expense. As airlines weigh airport fees, personnel costs, and taxes, Ofner warns that high local levies are driving carriers to relocate their fleets to lower-cost regions.