Airlines and aviation leaders are urging Germany to strengthen the competitiveness of its aviation and tourism sectors, warning that high operating costs and regulatory burdens risk weakening the country’s position in global air travel.
The message was delivered by the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) during its Networking & Conference Day held on March 2, 2026, in Berlin, ahead of ITB Berlin 2026.
The event brought together senior representatives from airlines, federal ministries, airports, and the tourism industry at Fotografiska in Berlin to discuss key issues affecting passenger transport and air freight. Discussions focused on rising location costs in Germany, regulatory developments, bureaucratic barriers, and the impact of geopolitical tensions, including the recent escalation in the Middle East, on global air traffic.
The gathering was organized by BARIG, which represents the interests of international airlines operating in Germany. Participants examined how policymakers and industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen aviation infrastructure, improve regulatory conditions, and maintain reliable passenger and cargo connections.
Michael Hoppe, Chairman and Executive Director of BARIG, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the aviation industry and policymakers. “The great response to our event clearly shows how important constructive cooperation and shared priorities are to all parties involved. Decisive progress and stability in aviation and tourism are only possible by working together with politicians and key industry stakeholders,” said Michael Hoppe.
From a government perspective, officials highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address global challenges affecting aviation. “Worldwide, the aviation industry faces major challenges that can only be overcome through close cooperation. As a central pillar of our global mobility, we need reliable aircraft, stable passenger and cargo connections, and strategically efficient infrastructure. This requires efficient processes, clear regulatory frameworks, and reliable cooperation between politicians, authorities, airports, and airlines,” said Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Transport.
Schnorr added that networking events which bring together aviation stakeholders are essential to shaping policy and strengthening the sector’s framework conditions. “Therefore, networking events like this, which bring all relevant players together, are of particular importance. We will continue to work actively to improve the framework conditions and reduce burdens significantly,” he said.
Airports also stressed the importance of close cooperation with airlines to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience. “We are in close dialogue with airlines to continuously optimize joint processes and procedures. This enables airlines to further enhance their performance while simultaneously improving the passenger experience,” said Aletta von Massenbach, CEO Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH and President of the German Airports Association ADV.
The conference also marked a milestone for BARIG, which is celebrating 75 years of representing airline interests. The association highlighted its role in supporting the aviation industry through geopolitical crises, regulatory changes, and global disruptions.
Hoppe, who was recently unanimously re-elected and appointed as Secretary General and Chairman of BARIG until December 2029, said the organization remains committed to shaping the future of global aviation. “For 75 years, BARIG’s work has been characterized by constructive cooperation within the industry while also coping with various geopolitical crises and pandemics. Under the motto ‘Joint spirit. Joint success.’, we are fully committed to representing the interests of our member airlines and making a significant contribution to responsibly shaping the future of air transport. Fair framework conditions and efficient processes in global aviation are essential in this regard,” said Michael Hoppe.
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