W ith a renewed focus on cargo operations and emerging partnerships in Asia, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is investing in modernisation and future-proofing its infrastructure to capitalise on market trends.
“Bringing the infrastructure to a stable state first requires significant investment,” CEO of Frankfurt Hahn Airport Rüdiger Franke said. “At Hahn Airport, that hasn’t been done in the last decades.”
Under new ownership, and with a clearer commercial focus, Frankfurt-Hahn is now benefiting from a stable shareholder base that understands the airport business—and is investing in its long-term growth. “With TRIWO, we have a stable investor and shareholders, who know this kind of business,” Franke noted. “They invested in smaller airports , so they know that an airport is an infrastructure with high investments, and it’s a long time for the return on these investments.”
That renewed stability has helped Hahn grow around 6 percent so far this year. But growth is not just a statistic—it’s also a strategic pivot. “We want to grow in other directions, such as e-commerce or pharma,” says Franke. “That’s the point—to look at countries and airlines which are not in focus at the moment regarding tariffs or traffic rights.”
Franke points to emerging markets in Central and South Asia, including recent connections with Tajikistan and South India. “The EU market is a strong domestic market, but the goods are coming from Asia,” he explained. “I will name Alibaba, Shein—maybe the next is TikTok Shop. – I believe this is our market, and it’s one of the current results and impacts from the United States … To be honest, Asia is our market for the future.”
Hahn’s 24/7 cargo model
While some of Europe’s busiest hubs are constrained by night curfews, slot restrictions, or municipal limits, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport operates with a key logistical advantage: unrestricted, 24-hour access. For time-sensitive cargo and global distribution models, that makes a measurable difference.
“These are unique selling points for us,” Franke emphasised. “Not only in Germany, but also in Europe. We have no slot restrictions. We have 24/7 operating time. No night curfews. No noise curfews.”
This operating flexibility enables Hahn to attract a wider variety of airlines and to cater to niche, time-critical shipments that other airports simply can’t accommodate. “We have an airline-independent maintenance company at Hahn Airport,” Franke added. “This presents a strong opportunity when compared to other competitive airports… This is very unique in Germany, as well as in Europe.”
That flexibility also allows Hahn to remain agile and reactive—a valuable trait when facing unexpected market shifts. “Because it’s not possible to plan long-term, the traces of cargo go other ways than four months before,” Franke said. “Cargo moves quickly, and we are positioned to respond.”
Franke credits a team that’s deeply committed to the airport’s success. “At least, it’s the team who can manage it and who is truly passionate about this airport,” he said. “Nearly everybody knows anybody who’s working at the airport. They have kerosene in their blood and they want to bring Hahn Airport to a bright future.”
Modernisation meets mindset
Modernising a regional cargo hub requires more than just new infrastructure—it demands a shift in mindset and strategy, especially when tackling global challenges like sustainability and digital transformation. At Frankfurt-Hahn, these goals are already materialising.
“First, we are focusing on e-mobility,” said Franke. “We have roughly ten new electric vehicles for ‘follow me’ and crew transportation. This is one of the first steps.” It’s a practical start, aimed at reducing emissions on the ground, and it’s being paired with building renovations and new equipment upgrades.
“We are always looking to renew our equipment, and if it’s possible to use electromobility, then we use it,” Franke added. “If not—like for fire brigade trucks—then not yet. But that is the future, and we go with the future.”
The modernisation of operations is directly aligned with Hahn’s strategic vision. With demand in pharma, temperature-controlled cargo, and e-commerce expected to grow, having efficient and sustainable infrastructure will be essential. And Franke knows the airport has to move in step with both customer demand and political realities.
“The biggest challenge? The politicians,” he admitted. “The geopolitics and the hard competition between airports is tough. But the hardest challenge is to win against politics—tariffs, regulations… it’s the hardest work we have to do.”
