Flight prices high, routes gone: Association demands subsidies for regions

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Domestic flights within Germany have cost more since the Corona pandemic – and the offering has shrunk significantly. Anyone who wants to fly within Germany is reaching deeper into their pocket and often has less choice.

The aviation industry is now looking for a way out in order to keep sparsely populated regions connected to the route network. The solution is supposed to come from the regions themselves: an industry association is demanding that federal states and municipalities subsidize domestic German flights with state money.

According to the "Handelsblatt," this is precisely possible under EU law. Which regions are to benefit and what sums are on the table have not been made public.

Domestic flights under pressure since Corona

After the pandemic, many airlines significantly reduced their domestic offerings. Travelers feel this directly: fewer connections, higher prices – and locations that are increasingly being cut off from the flight network.

Money is supposed to come from the regions

The association's idea: not the federal government should pay a flat amount, but the respective regions that benefit from the connection. According to the report, this is precisely possible under EU law.

Open questions

Which routes specifically are in question, how much money would need to flow, and which EU regulations exactly apply are not revealed in the report. What is clear: the industry is looking for ways to stabilize the domestic network – and sees the regions as being responsible.