Kassel-Calden: 12 years in the shadow of the big Frankfurt!

Kassel-Calden: 12 years in the shadow of the big Frankfurt!

Kassel-Calden, Deutschland - A ray of hope for Kassel-Calden Airport: The airport has existed for 12 years and has established itself, albeit in a modest setting. Around 80,000 passengers use this calm travel opportunity every year. For comparison: Frankfurt Airport can come up to 200,000 passengers every day. On June 12, 2025, for example, a flight to Palma de Mallorca took off from Kassel Airport, fully occupied with 165 travelers. There is a lot of praise for the quiet atmosphere and the free parking, which is a plus, especially for families and frequent flyers. Managing Director Lars Ernst, in office since 2017, describes the airport as a normal facility.

In summer, Kassel-Calden Airport offers flights to Palma and Bozen twice a week, plus a weekly connections to Sylt and Usedom. In addition, 16 to 20 special trips take place annually, which increases the attractiveness of the destinations. With 141 employees, the majority of whom work part -time, the employees create a family atmosphere at the airport. Even policeman Johannes Menne reports that he has not had a single use of weapons in the past four years, which speaks for security and peaceful climate.

challenges and criticism

Despite these positive aspects, Kassel-Calden Airport is under pressure. An annual misalignment of five million euros is not to be ignored. Critics also see the airport as an incentive to climate and emphasize the need to find more sustainable solutions in air traffic. On the other hand, the airport also brings a good 72 million euros in tax revenue for the region. The question remains: How sustainable are the principles and economy?

Air traffic has experienced a violent setback through the pandemic before the number of passengers dropped to 121,000 per year. However, the airport hopes for a relaxation that is reflected in the current numbers. Current statistics that raise the delay and flight loss rate, for example, are available on platforms such as airport information. So you can quickly get an overview of the average delay or also access the number of flights during the desired period.

The future of air traffic

A look into the future gives hope: According to the IATA, passenger volume will increase again by 2025, even if the situation currently appears uncertain. International comparisons show that a positive development of air traffic in many regions worldwide is imminent. This could also mean for the Kassel-Calden Airport that new life could return to the region.