An attractive destination with a high price
Salzburg is an extremely attractive destination from a flying point of view. The scenic backdrop with panoramic views of the Alps, the proximity to tourist highlights such as the Salzkammergut or the city of Mozart itself, as well as the good infrastructure at the airport all year round make LOWS a popular destination for GA flights from home and abroad.
However, since 2024, the airport's charging policy has increasingly deterred pilots. The introduction of high charges, in particular the so-called Apron Service Feesled to resentment in the pilot community. These fees were charged regardless of whether ground services were actually utilised - even if the aircraft was simply parked on the apron. In practice, this meant that Anyone landing in Salzburg with a small aircraft had to pay several hundred euros in some cases - without receiving adequate value in return.
Massive criticism from the GA scene
AOPA Austria - the organisation representing the interests of general aviation - received numerous complaints from pilots from mid-2024. Both Austrian and international pilots felt they were being treated unfairly by Salzburg Airport. The accusation: Chargeable services were invoiced at a flat ratealthough they were not or only minimally provided. Particularly bitter: according to the Austrian Airport Charges Act, only charges authorised by the authorities are permitted - but the "Apron Services" were not one of them.
A corresponding letter from the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection (BMK) from November 2024 confirmed this assessment: the handling fee had not been officially approved and was therefore legally contestable.
Talks, standstill - and then the threat of legal action
Despite early contact and discussions between AOPA Austria and the airport management, no progress was made for months. A personal meeting between AOPA President Robert Michl and Airport Director Bettina Ganghofer on 24 September 2024 initially brought hope: the Director showed understanding for the GA and promised internal reviews. A similar dialogue took place two days later between AOPA Vice President Andreas Schlager and Station Manager Barbara Horner.
But words were not followed by action. There was no feedback and the controversial fees continued to be collected. It was not until an AOPA-initiated Judicial dunning action in March 2025, represented by lawyer Dr Alfred Holzer, got things moving: Salzburg Airport paid the sum demanded - and thus avoided possible legal proceedings.
Breakthrough in April 2025
The decisive turning point came on 16 April 2025: In an official letter to AOPA Austria, Salzburg Airport declared that it would waive the flat-rate apron service fees in future. Instead only the actual transport of crew or passengers is charged at 15 euros per journey. This resolves a key point of contention.
More importantly, fees that have already been paid can now also be reclaimed. The airport provides a corresponding online form (from 24 April 2025), applications can also be sent by email to gac@salzburg-airport.at are being made. According to reports, even Proactive credit notes a sign that the airport is admitting its mistakes.
A success with a signalling effect
AOPA Austria sees this success as Result of consistent representation of interests. Only through a combination of legal clarity, public pressure and concrete legal action was it possible to persuade the airport to give in. It also became clear how important a strong voice is for General Aviation - especially at a time when many commercial airports are increasingly sceptical about GA or are isolating themselves by charging excessive fees.
The Salzburg case is also a good example of how necessary Transparent and fair fee models in air traffic. While business aviation and scheduled flights are often at the centre of airport policy, small private aircraft and training flights quickly fall behind - even though they are just as essential for the aviation location.
Outlook: Cooperation instead of confrontation?
Despite the positive development, the question remains as to how sustainable Salzburg Airport's about-turn is. AOPA Austria announced that it would monitor further steps and take action again if necessary. At the same time, it was suggested that new cooperation models should be considered in the long term - for example through discount systems for AOPA members, digital payment processing via apps such as Aerops or differentiated fees depending on traffic volume.
The case also shows that Legal vigilance and commitment at association level are crucial to protect the rights of the pilot community. For many GA pilots, Salzburg is now back to what it once was: one of the most beautiful destinations in the Alps. without fear of incomprehensible costs.
Source references:
AOPA