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Internal market assessment finds the assistance measure to be in alignment.

Nighttime air travel benefits for Erfurt's location

The Commission deems the support initiative to align with the rules of the domestic market.
The Commission deems the support initiative to align with the rules of the domestic market.

Airborne Departures at Night: A Strategic Edge for Erfurt's Position - Internal market assessment finds the assistance measure to be in alignment.

Erfurt Airport, Thuringia's only international airport, has reported a significant increase in passenger numbers during the six-week summer holidays of 2023. According to the airport's managing director, Susanne Hermann, around 64,000 passengers departed from the airport, a significant leap from the previous year.

The positive development at Erfurt Airport could continue into the autumn holidays, with many airlines increasing their capacities due to high demand. Among the airlines operating flights from Erfurt Airport were Sun Express, Eurowings, and Air Cairo. The airport expanded its offer of connections and destinations around the Mediterranean this summer.

One of the key advantages of night flights for Erfurt Airport during vacation travel is better utilization of airport infrastructure and potentially more convenient flight schedules for passengers. Operating night flights can allow Erfurt Airport to handle more flights overall by spreading air traffic beyond daytime hours, reducing congestion and delays during peak periods.

For travelers, night flights can be advantageous because they often enable arrivals or departures at times that maximize vacation time, such as early mornings or late evenings. This can help optimize the overall holiday experience. It is known that airports offering night flights benefit from less crowded airspace and runways, improving operational efficiency and potentially providing more flexible scheduling options.

The most popular destination from Erfurt Airport during the summer of 2023 was Turkish Antalya, with around 41,500 passengers flying to the Turkish Riviera. Other popular destinations included the Greek island of Crete, with around 4,200 passengers, and the Egyptian Hurghada, with around 8,000 passengers.

Looking ahead, the management in Erfurt has announced a target for the number of passengers at Erfurt Airport in 2025, aiming to reach 250,000, up from 170,000 in the previous year. This ambitious goal reflects the growing popularity of Erfurt Airport as a hub for vacation travel.

Erfurt Airport is one of the few airports in Germany that offers night flights, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking a more relaxed start or end to their vacation by flying at off-peak hours and avoiding daytime airport crowds and delays. Although specific policies or curfews for night flights at Erfurt are not detailed, it is clear that the advantages of night flights for Erfurt Airport during vacation travel are numerous.

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