What’s On The Horizon For: Vienna Airport

Routes 360 member Vienna Airport (VIE) attended Routes Europe 2024 in Aarhus, Denmark, where it outlined its recent route achievements and identified key markets for future air service expansion.

In 2023, the airport marked its second most successful year, welcoming more than 29.5 million passengers, equivalent to 93.3% of pre-crisis levels in 2019. During the same period, enhanced partnerships facilitated direct flights to 203 destinations spanning 65 countries, served by 65 airlines.

Anticipating a further boost in 2024, the airport foresees approximately 30 million passengers. To cater to the projected rise in passenger traffic, VIE has commenced the €420 million ($448 million) Terminal 3 expansion project, slated for completion in 2027.

This summer schedule will see Austrian Airlines introduce its first-ever nonstop flight between VIE and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Launching on July 1, the new destination will have up to six frequencies a week. In addition, the home carrier has also added two further services to its offering, reaching Bremen Airport (BRE), Germany, and Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), Georgia.

The Austrian hub has also had success with Chinese carriers, including the return of Hainan Airlines. From May 29, the airline will resume flights from Shenzhen with two frequencies per week year-round. China Eastern Airlines will also serve VIE from June 22 with 3X-weekly connection from Shanghai.

Belinda Neumann, head of aviation development at Vienna Airport, says: “With all the new routes, our focus is on long-haul destinations. For example, markets like China are very important to us. We would also love to have an American carrier as the U.S. is an extremely significant market.”

The airport is also targeting unserved and underserved routes across Europe. Seeking to enhance connectivity, VIE shares its latest news, connects directly with key airline targets, and promotes underserved and unserved route opportunities through its Routes 360 membership.