It is one of the highest accolades in European aviation: Hamburg Airport has been honoured by Airports Council International (ACI) with the prestigious ‘Best Airport Award 2025’ in the 10-25 million passenger category. The European airport association paid particular tribute to Hamburg's exemplary combination of passenger comfort, digitalisation and climate protection. After 2012, 2013, 2018 and 2020, this is the fifth time that northern Germany's largest airport has prevailed against competitors from all over Europe. For Hamburg Airport, the award is a great success and a confirmation of the course it has set for the future.
Christian Kunsch, CEO of Hamburg Airport, received the award on the evening of 19 June at a gala in Athens. The airport can now carry the award for one year. Only one airport was honoured in each category. Areas such as operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, sustainability, innovation and economic development were assessed. For Hamburg Airport, 2024 was the most successful year since the pandemic, with 14.8 million passengers (an increase of 9.4 per cent), a route network with 120 direct destinations and new routes, for example to Doha. Hamburg Airport has been a pioneer in environmental protection for decades and is ambitiously pursuing the goal of operating the airport CO₂-free in just 10 years.
Christian Kunsch, CEO of Hamburg Airport, accepting the award: "The award is a strong signal for everyone at Hamburg Airport - this was a great team effort and a reward for my colleagues who achieve great things every day. This award motivates us to boldly continue on our path: climate-friendly, service-orientated and based on partnership."
New investments in service a success factor for winning the award
The advances in service were particularly emphasised: Over 80 per cent of travellers pass through security in under ten minutes - thanks to new CT technology, digital passenger guidance and automated processes. The HAM Upgrade modernisation programme stands for a package of measures that will noticeably improve the passenger experience at Hamburg Airport. This includes modern technology solutions such as the popular ‘Slot & Fly’ reservation system and the new Smart Gates, which already enable the fastest route to security control. The seating areas and children's play areas are also being extensively modernised. Practical services such as free water dispensers, more power sockets and massage chairs provide additional comfort. The airport is investing around 20 million euros and is continuously expanding the measures so that passengers can benefit from ever new improvements.
The efforts surrounding the NetZero 2035 climate protection programme, in which the airport will invest a total of a quarter of a billion euros, are also key to winning the award. Hamburg Airport plans to be one of the first airports in Germany to operate completely CO₂-free by 2035 - without compensation. The path to achieving this is clearly defined, and key elements of the NetZero strategy are already noticeable in operations today. For example, the majority of the vehicles used are powered by alternative drive systems. Wherever such drives are not yet available, the airport only uses synthetic diesel. In addition, Hamburg Airport only uses certified green electricity and the combined heat and power plant has been optimised with modern engine units. The switch to green district heating and the airport's own wind farm in Heidmoor are firmly planned for 2028 - a key step towards full self-sufficiency in green electricity (110 GWh/year).
About ACI Europe
ACI (Airports Council International) Europe represents the interests of over 500 airports in 55 European countries. The member airports handle around 90 per cent of commercial air traffic in Europe and welcome over 2 billion passengers annually. The ACI Europe Best Airport Awards were presented for the 21st time this year.
Photo: ACI (Airports Council International) Europe
via Hamburg Airport