Kassel-Calden Airport's €20M losses spark calls for closure or reform
Kassel-Calden Airport's €20M losses spark calls for closure or reform
Greens demand independent review for Kassel Airport - Kassel-Calden Airport's €20M losses spark calls for closure or reform
Kassel-Calden Airport is facing fresh scrutiny over its financial health. The Green Party in Hesse's state parliament has called for an independent economic review, claiming the facility's losses are far higher than officially reported. They argue that a full assessment could determine whether closure or restructuring is necessary for the region's economic future.
The Greens point to a study from Chemnitz University of Technology, which they commissioned, to back their concerns. According to the report, the airport runs an annual deficit of around five million euros. Additional costs, including three million for weather-related expenses and twelve million in depreciation, push the total losses closer to twenty million euros each year.
The party insists that previous financial disclosures have downplayed the true scale of the problem. They are pushing for a transparent evaluation to confirm whether the airport remains viable. If found uneconomic, they propose either closing the site or repurposing it, with any savings redirected into North Hesse's broader economy.
One suggested alternative is shifting the airport to private operation. The Greens also recommend separating its management from the adjacent business park. Their goal is to ensure any decision prioritises long-term benefits for the region rather than maintaining an unsustainable status quo.
The dispute centres on conflicting financial assessments of Kassel-Calden Airport. While the Greens highlight a twenty-million-euro shortfall, supporters argue the facility boosts local tax revenue and economic activity. An independent review will now determine whether restructuring, privatisation, or closure is the most practical path forward.