Vienna and Lower Austria call for elimination of airport ticket surcharge

Vienna Airport anticipates a reduction of two million passengers, a shortfall attributed to elevated site costs highlighted by board chairman Günther Ofner. In response, Lower Austria’s governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig have advocated for scrapping the ticket surcharge that imposes €12 on each ticket and €30 on flights under 350 kilometres. They contend that the levy weakens the region’s economic standing and encourages budget airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair to relocate to Bratislava, where operating expenses are roughly a third cheaper.

The officials emphasized the importance of international connectivity for jobs, tourism and the broader economy. Infrastructure minister Peter Hanke has pledged €30 million annually in aviation crisis aid, but airport officials say it does not offset the passenger decline. Both regional leaders hold a stake in the airport, adding a financial incentive to their position.