Hamburg Airport continues to grow: Rising passenger numbers and a positive business result enable investments in more comfort and better infrastructure – 20 million euros are being invested in the HAMUpgrade program.
(IN SHORT) Hamburg Airport experienced a robust recovery in 2024, with passenger numbers exceeding expectations by half a million, resulting in a profit of €20.4 million—a significant jump from €6.6 million the previous year. The increase in traffic, particularly from private travelers who now account for 78% of total traffic, has driven revenue gains across aviation, passenger services, and retail sectors. The HAMUpgrade programme will see an additional €20 million invested from 2025 to 2027 to further enhance passenger comfort and terminal efficiency through upgrades such as new sanitary facilities, enhanced seating, children’s play areas, and state-of-the-art security enhancements. The airport continues to invest in workforce development, setting new records in training, while also committing substantial funds to sustainability projects like the NetZero 2035 initiative and upgrades to baggage handling systems. These measures aim to not only improve the travel experience but also secure long-term operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 2025-Apr-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Hamburg Airport is soaring to new heights as passenger numbers recovered faster than anticipated in 2024, helping the airport achieve a robust financial result of €20.4 million. This success is attributed not only to the significant surge in travelers but also to an effective cost control system. Building on this momentum, the HAMUpgrade programme is set to invest around €20 million between 2025 and 2027 to further enhance terminal comfort, reliability, and efficiency.
Christian Kunsch, CEO of Hamburg Airport, stated, “2024 was a strong year for us. We welcomed half a million more passengers than we planned, which boosted revenue from aviation, passenger services, and commercial leases. Our investments in convenience and streamlined processes are clearly paying off, and with HAMUpgrade, we’re committed to ensuring our passengers enjoy an even more comfortable experience. New sanitary facilities, children’s play areas, additional water dispensers, updated seating, and lounge corners are just a few of the enhancements we have planned by 2027.”
The airport closed 2024 with a profit of €20.4 million, a remarkable improvement from the previous year’s €6.6 million, thanks primarily to a notable increase in passenger traffic. The overall balance sheet total reached €711.2 million, up by €8.4 million, while sales revenue climbed from €259.4 million in 2023 to €284.6 million in 2024—an increase of €25.2 million. Private travelers remain the primary growth driver, representing about 78% of traffic, nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels, while business travel now accounts for approximately 21%.
Under the HAMUpgrade initiative, several projects have already been completed in 2024, including the installation of new CT scanners at security checkpoints, the expansion of the Slot & Fly service, and improvements in passenger control via smart gates, enabling most passengers to clear security in under 10 minutes. Ongoing work includes modernizing escalators and elevators, renovating sanitary facilities to better resist graffiti and vandalism, and enhancing seating and children’s play areas. A new 80-square-meter smoking lounge, equipped with lounge furniture and offering an apron view in the Skywalk, is scheduled to open at the start of the autumn vacations. Additionally, plans are underway to acquire 50 new wheelchairs, multiscooters, and three electric highloaders for passengers with reduced mobility.
Hamburg Airport, which employs around 1,750 people, also continues to excel in workforce development. The airport set a new record in 2024 by training 21 new trainees across nine professions and is on track to exceed this with 23 new training places in 2025, reflecting its commitment to nurturing future talent.
Other key investment priorities include the NetZero 2035 project, where a total of €250 million will be invested by 2035. This includes about €70 million earmarked for the construction of the Heidmoor wind farm, with six wind turbines currently under tender. Complementing this, efforts to convert the vehicle fleet to alternative drive systems and a district heating contract aim to make Hamburg Airport the first major German airport to achieve CO₂-free ground operations by 2035. Moreover, the airport is investing approximately €80 million in renewing the baggage handling system in Terminal 1 and the Airport Plaza, ensuring the facility meets future traveler needs without disrupting ongoing operations.
Media contact:
+49 (0)40 5075 3611
presse@ham.airport.de
SOURCE: Hamburg Airport
