Vienna Airport expands its network with a focus on Southern Asia and new route opportunities

Saturday, February 1, 2025

The airport, located 18 km from Austria’s capital, served 31.7 million passengers in 2024, reflecting a 7.4% increase compared to the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

With service to over 195 destinations through partnerships with 72 airlines, Vienna Airport remains a significant gateway for travellers connecting Europe to Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The airport’s latest route developments highlight increased demand for long-haul travel and emerging market connectivity.

VIE’s Expanding Network

Recent Asian route developments include:

• Hainan Airlines relaunched Shenzhen (SZX) service in May 2024 and introduced a Chengdu (CTU) 3X-weekly route in December.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA) resumed year-round flights to Tokyo (NRT) in August 2024.
• Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, will begin a 3X-weekly Vienna-Singapore (SIN) service in June 2025, providing seamless connections via Singapore Changi Airport.

Vienna’s Middle Eastern and European routes also continue to grow:

• SKY Express launched a 4X-weekly Athens (ATH) service in December 2024.
• Air Arabia introduced 4X-weekly flights to Sharjah (SHJ) in December.
• EasyJet will start a daily direct Milan (MXP) service in March 2025.
• Condor plans to expand its Frankfurt (FRA) operations, with an aircraft stationed at VIE in summer 2025.

Upcoming Infrastructure Expansion

To support rising passenger volumes, Vienna Airport is investing €420 million ($428 million) in a South Terminal expansion, expected to be completed by 2027. This project will introduce:

• Enhanced security screening facilities
• Larger passenger waiting areas
• Upgraded amenities for an improved travel experience

The investment is in line with the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK) guidelines, ensuring that Vienna Airport adheres to national infrastructure and sustainability policies.

Unserved and Underserved Route Opportunities

Vienna Airport, as part of the Routes 360 network, has identified several unserved destinations that present growth potential:

• North America: Miami (MIA), San Francisco (SFO)
• Asia-Pacific: Hanoi (HAN), Mumbai (BOM), Hong Kong (HKG), Phuket (HKT)
• South America: São Paulo (GRU)
• Middle East & Africa: Muscat (MCT), Nairobi (NBO)
• Europe: Bergen (BGO), Gdansk (GDN), Toulouse (TLS), Bordeaux (BOD)

Government aviation authorities, including Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, continue to support air service growth through strategic bilateral air service agreements (BASAs).

The Future of Vienna Airport

With a robust growth strategy, infrastructure investment, and increased global connectivity, Vienna Airport is on track to exceed 32 million passengers in 2025. Its continued expansion into Southern Asia, North America, and the Middle East aligns with Austria’s long-term vision for sustainable aviation development.

For official updates on aviation regulations and airline route planning, visit:

• Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK)
• Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
• Vienna Airport Official Site

As Vienna continues to enhance its global reach, airlines and industry leaders are encouraged to explore new opportunities in this rapidly growing market.