Key Takeaways
• Frankfurt charges €55 and Munich €49 per passenger, highest among Europe’s major airports in 2025.
• ADAC demands lower fees, transparency, digitalization, and greener airport operations across Germany.
• Regulatory reviews and EU alignment expected by late 2025 to reform airport charges.
Frankfurt and Munich Airports Among Europe’s Most Expensive: ADAC Pushes for Major Aviation Reforms
As of June 2025, travelers flying through Germany’s largest airports—Frankfurt and Munich—are facing some of the highest passenger charges in all of Europe. According to the latest data, Frankfurt Airport charges €55 per passenger, while Munich Airport charges €49 per passenger. These costs put both airports at the top of the European rankings for airport fees, alongside other German hubs like Düsseldorf (€46) and Hanover (€42). The high charges have sparked a strong response from the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), Germany’s largest mobility association, which is now calling for sweeping reforms in the country’s aviation sector.
This push for change comes at a time when air travel is rebounding after the pandemic, and as Germany 🇩🇪 faces pressure to meet new European Union climate and mobility goals. The debate over airport fees is not just about the cost of flying—it’s about the future of Germany’s role in international travel, the country’s economy, and how it balances high-quality service with affordability and sustainability.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for passengers, airlines, and the wider aviation industry.
Why Are Frankfurt and Munich So Expensive?
Frankfurt and Munich are not just busy international gateways—they are also among the most expensive airports in Europe for travelers. The €55 charge at Frankfurt and €49 at Munich are well above the fees at many other major European airports. For comparison, airports in other countries often charge much less per passenger, making Germany 🇩🇪 stand out for its high costs.
What’s included in these charges?
Airport charges cover a range of services and facilities, such as security, baggage handling, terminal maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. In Germany 🇩🇪, these fees are regulated under Section 19b of the German Aviation Act (LuftVG). Every year, airlines and airport operators meet to discuss and review these charges before they are approved by state authorities. For example, the Hessian Ministry oversees the process for Frankfurt Airport.
Starting January 1, 2025, a new online calculation tool is available for airlines and stakeholders to check and understand the breakdown of these charges. This move aims to make the process more transparent, but many believe there is still a long way to go.
ADAC’s Demands: Lower Costs, More Transparency, and Greener Airports
The ADAC is not just a car club—it’s a powerful voice for mobility and travel in Germany 🇩🇪. In 2025, the group has stepped up its calls for major changes in the aviation sector. Here’s what ADAC is asking for:
- Greater transparency: ADAC wants airports to clearly explain how they calculate fees and where the money goes.
- Lower passenger charges: The group argues that high fees make German airports less attractive for travelers and airlines, hurting the country’s competitiveness.
- Investment in digitalization and infrastructure: ADAC believes that smarter technology and better facilities can improve efficiency and the passenger experience.
- Environmental reforms: With the EU’s climate goals in mind, ADAC is pushing for more sustainable airport operations, including cleaner energy and reduced emissions.
ADAC’s message is clear: if Germany 🇩🇪 wants to stay a leader in European aviation, it needs to make flying more affordable, transparent, and environmentally friendly.
How Are Airports Responding?
Munich Airport’s Perspective
Despite its high costs, Munich Airport has earned international praise for its quality and service. In 2025, it was named the “Best Airport in Central Europe” at the Skytrax World Airport Awards and ranked 9th globally. Munich Airport’s CEO, Jost Lammers, says the airport is investing heavily in infrastructure, digitalization, and passenger comfort. The airport argues that these investments are necessary to maintain high standards and meet future demands.
Frankfurt Airport’s Position
Frankfurt Airport, operated by Fraport AG, also defends its fee structure. The company says that all charges are used to fund infrastructure and operational costs, not for profit. Airlines are consulted every year to discuss any changes, and the process is overseen by state authorities. Fraport AG emphasizes that maintaining a world-class airport requires ongoing investment, especially in areas like safety, security, and environmental protection.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
For travelers, the high charges at Frankfurt and Munich often show up as higher ticket prices or extra fees. Airlines usually pass these costs on to passengers, making flights to and from Germany 🇩🇪 more expensive than similar trips from other European countries.
ADAC warns that:
– Higher costs may discourage tourism and business travel. If flying to Germany 🇩🇪 is more expensive, some travelers may choose other destinations.
– Families and budget travelers are hit hardest. Extra fees can make a big difference for those trying to keep travel costs low.
– Germany’s global connectivity could suffer. If airlines cut routes or reduce flights due to high costs, it could make it harder for people to travel to and from Germany 🇩🇪.
Impact on Airlines and the Aviation Sector
Airlines operating at Frankfurt, Munich, and other German airports face higher operational costs because of these charges. This can affect their decisions about which routes to offer and which airports to use as hubs. Some airlines may choose to focus on airports in other countries where costs are lower, which could reduce Germany’s role as a major aviation center.
However, airlines do have a say in the process. Each year, they take part in formal consultations with airport operators to discuss and negotiate fee changes. This gives them a chance to push back against increases and advocate for fairer pricing.
The broader aviation sector is also watching closely. The pressure from ADAC and other groups could lead to regulatory reviews and possible changes in how airport fees are set. This debate is part of a larger European effort to make aviation more competitive, sustainable, and climate-friendly.
Background: Why Are German Airports So Expensive?
German airports have a long-standing reputation for high passenger charges. There are several reasons for this:
- Extensive infrastructure investments: German airports have spent heavily on modern terminals, runways, and technology to provide top-notch service and safety.
- High operational standards: Strict rules for safety, security, and environmental protection add to the cost of running airports.
- Regulatory frameworks: The German Aviation Act (LuftVG) sets out detailed rules for how charges are set and reviewed, with a focus on transparency and fairness.
While these factors help ensure quality and safety, they also contribute to higher costs for travelers and airlines.
ADAC’s Push for Reform: A Long-Running Debate
ADAC’s calls for reform are not new. For years, the group has argued that German airports need to lower costs and become more transparent. However, the push has gained new urgency in 2025 due to several factors:
- Post-pandemic recovery: As air travel rebounds, passengers and airlines are more sensitive to costs.
- EU climate and mobility targets: Germany 🇩🇪 is under pressure to meet new European rules for greener, more efficient transport.
- Competition from other airports: As other European hubs lower fees and invest in new technology, German airports risk falling behind.
The contrast between Munich Airport’s international awards and its high charges highlights the challenge: how to offer world-class service without pricing out travelers.
What’s Next? Future Outlook and Possible Changes
Looking ahead, several developments could shape the future of airport charges and aviation policy in Germany 🇩🇪:
Regulatory Review Expected
With growing public and industry pressure, experts expect that German authorities will take a closer look at how airport fees are set. This could lead to new rules or adjustments in late 2025 or early 2026.
Alignment with EU Policy
Germany 🇩🇪 is likely to align any reforms with the European Union’s new ARIS aviation research strategy. This strategy, launched in June 2025, focuses on making aviation more competitive, sustainable, and innovative across Europe.
Digitalization and Efficiency
Both Frankfurt and Munich airports are investing in digital solutions to streamline operations. This includes things like automated check-in, smart baggage handling, and better passenger information systems. Over time, these changes could help reduce costs and improve the travel experience.
Environmental Reforms
Expect to see more focus on sustainability. This could mean greater use of sustainable aviation fuels, efforts to cut emissions, and new climate-friendly airport operations. These changes are in line with both national and EU mandates for greener transport.
Practical Guidance for Travelers and Stakeholders
If you’re planning to fly through Frankfurt or Munich, it’s important to be aware of the higher charges and how they might affect your ticket price. Here are some practical tips:
- Compare ticket prices carefully. Sometimes, flying from a different airport or with a different airline can save you money.
- Check for extra fees. Some airlines may add additional charges for baggage, seat selection, or other services.
- Stay informed about policy changes. As reforms are debated, there may be changes to airport fees or services in the coming months.
For airlines and industry stakeholders, it’s important to take part in the annual consultations on airport charges and to use the new online calculation tool to understand and challenge fee structures when necessary. The official Fraport website provides detailed information on Frankfurt Airport’s charges and the new tool, which can be accessed here.
Official Resources and Where to Get More Information
- Frankfurt Airport (Fraport AG): For up-to-date information on airport charges and the online calculation tool, visit the official Fraport website.
- Munich Airport: For news, awards, and updates on infrastructure, check the official Munich Airport website.
- ADAC: For policy positions, advocacy, and travel advice, see the ADAC news portal.
- EU Aviation Policy: For details on the ARIS strategy and European aviation reforms, visit the EU Clean Aviation program.
Broader Implications: What’s at Stake?
The debate over airport charges in Germany 🇩🇪 is about more than just the cost of a plane ticket. It touches on big questions about the country’s place in global travel, its economic future, and its commitment to sustainability.
- For travelers: The outcome could mean more affordable flights and better service—or, if reforms stall, continued high costs.
- For airlines: Changes in fee structures could affect where they choose to operate and how they price their tickets.
- For the aviation sector: The push for reform is part of a larger shift toward greener, more efficient air travel across Europe.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing debate is likely to shape the future of German aviation for years to come. Stakeholders from all sides—passengers, airlines, airport operators, and policymakers—will need to work together to find solutions that balance quality, affordability, and sustainability.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Frankfurt and Munich are among Europe’s most expensive airports for passengers, with charges of €55 and €49 per person, respectively.
- ADAC is calling for lower costs, more transparency, and greener airports, reflecting wider concerns about competitiveness and sustainability.
- Airports defend their fees as necessary for maintaining high standards and funding infrastructure, but face growing pressure to change.
- Regulatory reviews and possible reforms are expected in late 2025 or early 2026, with a focus on aligning with EU policies and climate goals.
- Travelers and airlines should stay informed about changes, use available tools to understand charges, and consider their options when planning flights.
The next few months will be critical as Germany 🇩🇪 decides how to balance its reputation for quality with the need to make air travel more accessible and sustainable. For now, passengers flying through Frankfurt and Munich should be prepared for higher costs—but also for possible changes on the horizon as the debate over airport charges continues.
Learn Today
ADAC → Germany’s largest mobility club advocating for fair, affordable, and sustainable travel policies.
Airport Charges → Fees passengers pay covering security, baggage, infrastructure, regulated by German Aviation Act.
Fraport AG → Operator of Frankfurt Airport responsible for managing fees and infrastructure investments.
LuftVG → German Aviation Act regulating airport fees, safety standards, and operational procedures.
Skytrax → International airport ranking organization that awarded Munich Airport Best in Central Europe 2025.
This Article in a Nutshell
Frankfurt and Munich airports top Europe’s passenger charges in 2025, prompting ADAC to demand reforms for affordability, transparency, and sustainability amid growing travel and EU climate goals.
— By VisaVerge.com
