After analyzing all relevant decision factors, the board decided on Tuesday not to pursue the planned third runway project. Nevertheless, Vienna International Airport (Schwechat) will be able to continue growing in the future with its planned terminal expansions and existing two-runway system, handling up to 52 million passengers per year, according to the announcement.
“Alongside the massive increase in projected construction costs to around two billion euros, the overall conditions have fundamentally changed due to the excessive duration of the approval process. In 2005, an average of 71 passengers were transported per flight movement, while in 2024 the figure had already reached 139 passengers thanks to larger aircraft, easing pressure on runway capacity. Another key factor in the decision is that the airport’s largest airline customers oppose the project, and without refinancing through higher fees, the investment would not be economically viable,” explained Flughafen Wien AG board members Mag. Julian Jäger and Dr. Günther Ofner.
Another reason for the decision was the still pending ruling—17 months later—by the Administrative Court (VwGH) on an appeal against an amended decision by the Federal Administrative Court regarding the extension of the construction timeline, the airport said in its statement.
New runway project in the distant future not ruled out
The decision does not rule out pursuing a new runway project in the distant future following a new approval process if needed. The decision also means that payments made between 2018 and 2020 under the mediation agreement to the environmental fund and neighboring municipalities, which were capitalized for the runway project, amounting to €55.9 million, will not have to be written off in the 2025 balance sheet. For this reason, Flughafen Wien AG adjusted its 2025 net income guidance before minority interests to around €210 million (previously €230 million). The new guidance also reflects positive effects from better-than-expected traffic developments in recent weeks, the airport stated.
Project discussed for more than 20 years
Business and tourism representatives in eastern Austria mostly supported the third runway, while environmental groups and local residents opposed it. The debate has been long-standing and, at times, intense. The plans for a third runway were first announced in 1996. The project has occupied Vienna Airport since the early 2000s. Initially, mediation talks with residents were launched. In 2007, the airport submitted the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and project documents for the additional runway. In 2019, the Administrative Court finally granted approval for construction.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting aviation crisis between 2020 and 2021 delayed the project. Before the pandemic, construction had been scheduled to begin in 2024 or 2025. Since 2022, the aviation industry has been recovering worldwide.
The airport is owned 20 percent each by the City of Vienna and the Province of Lower Austria. The Flughafen Wien Employee Foundation holds 10 percent, while Airports Group Europe and free-floating shares make up around 44 percent and 6 percent, respectively.
Mikl-Leitner calls it an “economic decision”
Initial reactions to the end of the runway project came from the governments of Vienna and Lower Austria. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) described it as an “economic decision.” She emphasized that it is now important to continue developing the airport region and modernizing the airport. “Our airport remains Austria’s central transport hub and will continue to grow,” she said. The airport region is among the most dynamic economic regions in Europe “and will remain so.”
Vienna councilor sees a “clear signal”
Vienna’s city councilor for economic affairs, Barbara Novak (SPÖ), also pointed to the planned terminal expansions and modernization projects. She called it “a responsible and forward-looking decision,” “a clear signal toward sustainability,” and a step that provides long-term planning security.
FPÖ criticizes the decision
FPÖ General Secretary and transport spokesman Christian Hafenecker condemned the move as “a disastrous signal for Austria’s economy and tourism.” He also blamed the other parties, calling it “the direct result of the anti-business policies of the losing coalition” of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS. They had, he said, “surrendered to green ideologues and self-proclaimed climate saviors and left the field to them.”
Greens: “Tensions will continue”
The Greens of Lower Austria reiterated their long-standing opposition to the third runway. “In that sense, we see the announcement of the project’s end with both laughter and tears,” said regional spokesperson Helga Krismer. She noted that projections tied to the runway included massive increases in air traffic. “The curved approach remains a contentious issue. It can therefore be expected that tensions and resistance in the region will continue,” she added.
