Operator Considers Smaller Terminal for Dresden Airport

Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG (MFAG) is considering the construction of a smaller terminal building for Dresden Airport. The building currently in use could then be decommissioned, said Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of the operating company, in interviews with the “Leipziger Volkszeitung” and the “Sächsische Zeitung.” 

The costs, financing, and exact location of a new building remain undecided at this time, a spokesperson for the German Press Agency confirmed. No decision has yet been made regarding an actual new construction, but rather there are merely “target visions and possible directions for development,” said a spokesperson. However, it is clear that downsizing the existing terminal would be the more expensive—and therefore unsuitable—option, the CEO told the newspapers.

Ahmelmann: Airports Built Too Large 25 Years Ago

The terminal was built 25 years ago on a scale that was significantly too large. Passenger numbers would therefore not result in sufficient capacity utilization. The same applies to Leipzig/Halle Airport. According to the report, simplifications are planned there. Instead of the passenger boarding bridges used to date, passengers will walk directly to the aircraft in the future, the report continued. The facilities will be dismantled. Check-in procedures are also to be moved closer to the departure terminal.

Airport operator committed to restructuring

These considerations come against the backdrop of declining passenger numbers at both airports. In July, MFAG reported that it had completed the company’s financial restructuring about half a year earlier than planned and posted a profit (10.5 million euros) for 2025—the first time in years. Declining passenger numbers at both airports had forced the operator to take action. 

As part of the restructuring, the company cut jobs and laid off employees for operational reasons. Route cancellations also took place. Particularly painful: Ryanair withdrew completely from Leipzig/Halle with the 2025/26 winter flight schedule. Negotiations are currently underway regarding the airline’s return.