- Intense discourse in the Bundestag regarding the airports
Hot debate around Frankfurt Airport's competitiveness
During a heated discussion, representatives from Hessian state parliament discussed the standing of Frankfurt Airport as a global competitor. The ruling coalition factions highlighted its significance as an international hub. SPD member Marius Weiß deemed it a "pride of our state," serving as both a display and a "workforce booster considerably contributing to our state's prosperity." Weiß also endorsed the expansion plans for Terminal 3 and a new runway.
The Airport as the Pulse of Our Economic Endeavors
CDU faction leader Ines Claus considered Germany's largest airport the "pulse of our economic endeavors." Since 2023, there has been an upsurge in passenger numbers. Yet, she voiced concerns: "We've yet to reach pre-pandemic levels." Sustainable propulsion technologies to decrease CO2 emissions were urged.
"Together, we will strive for the sustainability of the airport," said Transport Minister Kaweh Mansoori (SPD). He applauded its reliable connections and the 600 million euros investment in cargo to boost Frankfurt as the premier freight hub.
AfD member Klaus Gagel predicted the airport might lose its European hub status, describing it as "an obvious phase-out." He criticized high location costs. He used the phrases "cartel parties" and "entrenched party machine," prompting a reprimand from the parliamentary presidency, who muted his microphone momentarily.
Weiß found the AfD's advocacy for the airport "deceitful": "The airport embodies Europe, while they aim to dismantle it." Gagel, however, maintained the AfD's pro-European stance, eliciting laughter from parliament. "We advocate for a Europe of sovereign nations."
Naas: Air traffic location still grappling with Corona aftermath
FDP member Stephan Naas pointed out that Germany's aviation location was yet to recover from the Corona pandemic. He pointed to the doubled costs of air traffic tax and air security fees since 2020 as a primary reason for this competition disparity.
Simultaneously, the Greens criticized the budget's drastic cuts in aviation innovation funding. "If the federal government reverted recent cuts at the federal level, it would not only appear more credible to restore cuts at the federal level but also enable further substantial reduction measures for Frankfurt Airport's CO2 emissions," said member Kathy Walter.
BUND calls for rail support
Environmental activist group Bundesvereinigung für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) in Hesse voiced its concerns as well. According to deputy state chair Gabriela Terhorst, the answer doesn't lie in promoting flight traffic but rather bolstering rail infrastructure instead. She advocated for a shift from road and air traffic to rail transport.
The AfD member Klaus Gagel's criticism of Frankfurt Airport's high location costs during the debate sparked controversy, with SPD member Marius Weiß labeling the AfD's views on the airport as "deceitful."
Despite the AfD's concerns about Frankfurt Airport, transport Minister Kaweh Mansoori (SPD) emphasized the airport's role as a reliable connector and a significant boost to Germany's cargo sector.
