Dresden Airport's Nine Decades: Blending Past and Present
In the heart of Germany, Dresden Airport has been a beacon of aviation since its opening on July 11, 1935. Over the past 80 years, the airport has witnessed an incredible transformation, evolving from a humble transport hub into a significant hub of the aviation industry.
Since its inception, Dresden Airport has counted a total of 56,304,872 passengers as of June 2025. The rapid increase in air traffic, particularly after the political turnaround in 1989, was significant. The number of passengers rose from around 200,000 in 1990 to over one million by 1992.
Today, Dresden Airport is more than just a transport hub. It is a mobility partner, an innovation hub, and a regional economic driver. Employing over 4,000 people directly or indirectly, many in the long-standing aviation industry, the airport continues to set impulses for aviation and the development of the region in the future.
One of the most notable aviation industry employers on the grounds of Dresden Airport is Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH. The airport's growth has also attracted prominent companies in the semiconductor industry, such as TSMC, GlobalFoundries, Infineon, X-Fab, and Bosch.
Infrastructure at Dresden Airport has been expanded gradually over the years. The construction of a new terminal, an integrated S-Bahn station, and a larger parking garage have all contributed to the airport's growth and ability to accommodate increasing air traffic. The airport's runway was renovated and extended in 2006, securing its future.
For those interested in the airport's rich history, Dresden Airport offers Airport History Tours starting on July 11. These tours will be offered on the last Sunday of each month from August onwards. The tours include a drive over the apron and a visit to the last remaining fuselage of the legendary aircraft "152," developed in Dresden and the first German jet-powered transport aircraft to take off in 1958.
As part of the airport's 80th anniversary celebrations, an exhibition in the terminal showcases the airport's history, serving as the starting point for anniversary-related tours. Lectures and presentations on the history of aviation are also planned, including a lecture by retired Captain Dr. Ulrich Unger on the life of Melli Beese on October 26, 2025. Admission to the lecture is free, but registration is required due to limited capacity.
Dresden Airport's connections to international hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich ensure the region's competitiveness. As the airport continues to grow and evolve, it remains a vital part of the region's economy and a testament to the power of aviation.
For those interested in learning more about the history of Dresden Airport, registration for the lecture by Dr. Ulrich Unger can be made at [www.mdf-ag.com/melli-beese]. The event will take place at the Aero Lounge (1st floor of the terminal) at Dresden Airport. Airport History Tours can be booked online starting at 18 euros per person.
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