A recent aviation impact assessment study, commissioned by ACI Europe and conducted by the scientific institute for economic research SEO Amsterdam Economics, highlights the significant economic impact of over 500 European airports, including Luxembourg Airport.
A focused analysis, titled "Quick Scan," on the specific impact of Luxembourg Airport (LUX) on the economy of Luxembourg and the Greater Region reveals the following key findings:
- LUX's total economic impact: €9.2 billion in GDP and 90.000 jobs.
- LUX’s total economic impact within Luxembourg amounts to approximately €6.5 billion in gross domestic product and 55 thousand jobs.
- The additional impact on neighboring countries adds €3.7 billion and 35 thousand jobs.
- For every €1 of the direct GDP generated by the airport, an additional €1.3 is generated indirectly.
The economic impact analysis uses the well-known Input-Output model developed by Nobel laureate Wassily Leontief. This method examines how spending and investments at the airport create a ripple effect throughout the national economy. Based on 2024 passenger numbers of 5.1 million and 830,000 tons of cargo, the total economic impact of LUX is €9.2 billion in GDP and 90.000 jobs.
The direct impact of all activities at Luxembourg Airport on Luxembourg, including airport operations, ground handling, and airlines, resulted in nearly 7.000 jobs and around €1.7 billion in GDP.
An interesting finding is the indirect impact of Luxembourg Airport on neighboring countries, which drives job creation through demand for suppliers and services not available in Luxembourg, resulting in €1.6 billion and 21.000 jobs. For every €1 of direct GDP generated by the airport, an additional €1.30 is generated indirectly. Moreover, the induced impact from the expenditure of both direct and indirect employment results in €1.4 billion in GDP and 16,000 jobs in Luxembourg, and €1 billion in GDP and 14,000 jobs in the Greater Region. The catalytic economic effect of air travel in Luxembourg is linked to 4,500 jobs and generates €1.1 billion in GDP.
Alexander Flassak, CEO of lux-Airport: “This study shows the vital role and the economic impact of the airport and all its related actors for the economy of Luxembourg but also the Greater Region. The numbers on the cross-border impact are simply remarkable.
It is our task to keep the airport competitive, to adapt capacities so that connectivity can remain high and the airport can continue to play its role as a service provider for the community now, but also in the medium and long term.”
Oliver Jankovic, ACI Europe director general: “What sets airports and the aviation ecosystem apart from most other sectors is their ability to facilitate and support broader economic activities. The newly released data on the economic impact of Luxembourg Airport on its region speaks volumes in this regard. This impact translates into increased trade and productivity, along with greater investment, tourism activity, and higher overall employment rates. This unique ability clearly enhances national and European economic performance—and signals one key takeaway: airports and air connectivity are irreplaceable drivers of competitiveness for Europe.”