Construction halt on Munich runway results in 250 million euros lost
Munich, Germany – Spending on the halted construction of Munich Airport's third runway has reached a staggering 236 million euros, reveals a Süddeutsche Zeitung report. Since the decision to expand the airport in 2005, Munich Airport GmbH (FMG) has incurred these costs.
The Free State of Bavaria, the majority shareholder, has effectively ended the project, with Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) indicating that construction within the next eight to ten years is "impossible". Planning costs alone amount to around 51 million euros, encompassing both internal and external expenses such as consultants, lawyers, and planning offices during the years-long approval and legal proceedings.
Additionally, approximately 185 million euros were spent on land purchases necessary for the expansion, with both the airport and the state government steadfast on the promise that no public funds would be used for the expansion, with the airport financing it independently.
However, these expenses were indirectly shouldered by the public, as FMG is owned by the Free State (51%), the Federal Government (26%), and the city of Munich (23%).
Munich Airport recently reported a positive after-tax result of €64 million in 2024, with revenues reaching over €1.6 billion due to increased passenger numbers and flight movements. The airport is also undertaking renovation projects, including integrating virtual tower solutions for air traffic management during the control tower's renovation as part of the ViCTORiA initiative by FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE.
On the other hand, operational challenges have arisen, with temporary runway closures due to a drone sighting. Munich Airport International (MAI) has also terminated its advisory role in the Vlora Airport project in Albania, facing environmental and legal challenges.
The future prospects and indirect costs of the third runway project are yet to be determined, dependent on the project's feasibility, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory approvals.
- The future implications and costs associated with the abandoned third runway project at Munich Airport remain uncertain, requiring feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory approvals.
- Despite the Free State of Bavaria halting the third runway project, Munich Airport GmbH (FMG), with substantial ownership from the state, the federal government, and Munich city, continued incurring costs totaling approximately 236 million euros, including planning, land purchases, and internal expenses.
- In the general-news context, the latest developments in the business sector involve financial and political factors shaping the fate of the third runway project at Munich Airport, which became a significant issue in the other industries such as aviation and real estate.
