Positive annual result of €12.7 million in 2024
10 million passenger mark broken again for the first time since 2019
Future programme for quality of stay, sustainability and optimal processes
Cologne Bonn Airport closed the 2024 financial year with a very positive economic result, achieving a significant profit for the third year in a row after 2022 and 2023. With an increase of 12.7 million euros, the company remains on track for success. Compared to the previous year, profit in 2024 was even higher by just under 7.5 million euros (2023: 5.3 million euros).
‘The very good result, with an increase of €12.7 million, is the result of the outstanding performance of our CGN team. And it is a special confirmation that we can look back on such a successful development in the airport company's 75th anniversary year. Together, we have once again proven how strong the airport is,’ says Thilo Schmid, Chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH. "With the development of passenger traffic, the cargo business and the airport location, we are focusing on a business model that is sustainable and offers many opportunities for the future. In 2024, we welcomed more than 10 million passengers for the first time since 2019 and consolidated our position as one of Europe's leading airports in terms of cargo. The resulting economic success enables us to invest in the development of the location, the quality of our passengers' experience and sustainability projects in particular. We are currently allocating more than €300 million for this purpose, both now and in the coming years."
The third consecutive year of significantly positive results demonstrates the airport's robustness in a challenging market environment. Revenue rose by more than €20 million to €363.8 million (2023: €342.1 million), while operating profit (EBITDA) increased by €7.5 million to €66.9 million (2023: €59.4 million). ‘Thanks to these very good figures, we can invest specifically in even greater passenger comfort, further optimisation of processes and continuous improvement of the travel experience,’ says Managing Director Cenk Özöztürk. ‘As part of our “Next Chapter” programme, the airport is currently undergoing a complete facelift with new bars, cafés and restaurants in the terminals and, starting in autumn, a comprehensive redesign of the security checkpoint, which includes a complete upgrade to CT technology.’
10 million passengers and high freight volume once again
Passenger traffic developed positively in 2024: more than 10 million travellers took off and landed in Cologne/Bonn again – the first time since 2019 and the cuts during the Corona crisis (2023: 9.8 million). ‘This success is based on the continuing high demand for air travel and our diverse route network. However, it cannot be taken for granted, as high government location costs are significantly hampering the development of air traffic in Germany,’ said airport CEO Thilo Schmid.
Between July and October 2024, the airport recorded over one million passengers per month. Flights to tourist destinations and to family and friends abroad were once again particularly popular. Demand in these areas is well above 2019 levels. In contrast, domestic traffic has not returned to pre-pandemic levels: airlines are offering significantly fewer flights in this segment than in 2019. In addition to high location costs, this is the reason why the airport is still 2 million passengers short of its pre-crisis level.
Eurowings is flying more frequently to Dubai and now also to Marsa Alam
The first quarter of 2025 has also been very successful in terms of passenger traffic. With around 2.5 million passengers to date, traffic is up on the previous year. During the peak travel season, the airport is again expecting several months with over 1 million guests each. New connections are contributing to this: Eurowings recently added further destinations, including Bastia and Porto. Electra Airways is offering connections to Burgas and Varna in Bulgaria in cooperation with SunExpress. The outlook for the last quarter of the year is also good: Eurowings will continue to fly to Dubai – from November even four times a week – and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The airline is also adding an additional route: the popular beach destination of Marsa Alam in Egypt will be served every Friday from 31 October.
Overall, the airport expects 10.6 million passengers (+6%) in 2025 due to high tourist demand. However, air traffic in Germany must become more competitive again in order to maintain the upward trend. ‘Like the entire industry, we are counting on the new German government to strengthen air traffic in order to improve the range of routes available to travellers and the economy in the long term,’ says Thilo Schmid.
In the cargo business, Cologne/Bonn was able to reaffirm its position as one of Europe's central locations in 2024. Despite the continuing challenging global economic and geopolitical situation, which is affecting the cargo business, the total volume remained at a stable high level in 2024 at 845,000 tonnes (2023: 870,000 tonnes) and also well above the 2019 figure of 815,000 tonnes. For this year, the airport is expecting a moderate increase in volume to around 850,000 tonnes.
‘Next Chapter’ gives the airport a new look
2024 was marked by groundbreaking projects, and 2025 will be no different, particularly with the ‘Next Chapter’ programme, which will give the airport a completely new look and optimally position it for the future. The airport is investing over €300 million in this project, both now and over the next few years.
The implementation of the new catering concept is in its final stages: 12 of the 17 newly designed cafés, bars and restaurants are now open. The rest will follow shortly. In addition, modern lounge concepts are being implemented in the terminals, including new furniture and greenery. ‘We are modernising the terminals and increasing comfort for our passengers. With innovative concepts, we are succeeding in taking the travel experience to a new level,’ says Managing Director Cenk Özöztürk. The infrastructure is also being renewed: a modern central goods control point went into operation in March, and the renovation of the 2.5 km long Bravo main taxiway is progressing according to plan. The major project, costing around 60 million euros, will be completed by mid-2026. In addition, a new car park for employees is being built on car park 5 at a cost of around 35 million euros.
First all-CT airport in Germany
Another key component of the ‘Next Chapter’ programme is the comprehensive redesign of security checks for passengers. The airport took over control of the checks at the beginning of the year, and the renovation work, which will cost around €18 million, will begin in October. ‘With this takeover, we are gaining even greater influence over the passenger process, making it more efficient and comfortable,’ says Cenk Özöztürk. ‘We will be the first airport in Germany to completely convert to state-of-the-art CT technology, which will enable passengers to keep liquids and technical devices in their hand luggage during security checks.’ Passenger services are also being continuously expanded: since April, not only Eurowings, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines passengers have been able to check in their own luggage, but also Ryanair customers. In addition, all travellers can book a time slot for security checks via ‘CGNGateWay’ – now up to 100 days before departure. The reusable hand luggage exit in Terminal 1 also offers additional convenience.
Furthermore, digitisation activities are continuing to advance, with a particular focus on apron operations in order to further optimise operational processes. A digital twin of the airport, which is being created in collaboration with the University of the Federal Armed Forces, is helping to test new technologies. The cooperation with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is also bearing fruit: one example of the unique quality of Cologne/Bonn as a location and the close partnership with the DLR is the establishment of the GOVSATCOM Hub – a central element for secure satellite communications in Europe. This is linked to the development of SPACEHUB COLOGNE, which will optimally network and bundle the innovative strength of the airport and its partners in the future.
Expansion of solar energy and construction of a wood-fired heating plant
An important area of action is the implementation of a wide range of sustainability activities. In addition to expanding its rooftop PV systems, the airport has begun planning the construction of elevated solar modules on its premises – so-called agri-photovoltaic systems. A new wood-fired heating plant is already under construction. The airport is investing a total of around 40 million euros in projects for modern energy generation. The gradual conversion to electric vehicles and equipment is also being consistently pursued.
Another focus is on increasing the airport's attractiveness as an employer: with innovative recruiting measures, targeted talent promotion – for example, as part of the ‘Female Resources’ initiative – and the creation of an attractive co-working area for employees, the airport is positioning itself as a future-oriented employer and thus also as a strong partner for the region. In the airport company's 75th anniversary year, the airport is underlining its key role as an economic factor with various campaigns and events, demonstrating its responsibility for the surrounding area and providing social added value for the people in its neighbourhood and the entire region.
