Lufthansa's Review Threatens Regional Airports in Dresden and Leipzig/Halle
Lufthansa is reviewing its flight offerings at several German airports, including Dresden and Leipzig/Halle, sparking concern among local business and research leaders. The decision, expected by late October or early November 2025, could lead to job cuts and impact regional trade and industry.
Lufthansa has announced potential cuts to flight connections at smaller German airports due to high federal aviation fees. This includes airports in Bremen, Cologne, Dresden, Leipzig, Münster, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart. The specific reductions for Dresden and Leipzig/Halle are yet to be detailed, but budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet have already withdrawn or reduced flights, affecting available routes and increasing prices for passengers.
The decision on which connections will be reduced or canceled depends on further political decisions. Meanwhile, 130 ground staff employees in Leipzig/Halle and Dresden have been laid off, adding to the economic strain. Local business and research leaders have expressed concern, arguing that reduced flights would weaken trade fairs, industry connections, and research in Saxony. They have signed a petition demanding that Lufthansa maintains the existing flight connections in Dresden and Leipzig/Halle.
The summer flight plan 2026, which may include reduced or canceled connections, is expected to be published by the end of October/beginning of November 2025. Saxony's loss-making airports, which need more passengers and financial support, face an uncertain future as they await Lufthansa's decision.
