BARIG Event with Airlines, Politics, and Economy Sends Clear Signal from Berlin: Strengthen Air Traffic and Tourism
• Intensive exchange between the airline community, politicians, and the tourism industry for competitive air travel to and from Germany
Berlin, March 12, 2026. Politicians need to strengthen aviation, tourism, and the economy in Germany. This was the clear message sent by BARIG—the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany—ahead of ITB Berlin 2026, the world’s leading travel trade fair. Numerous high-level representatives from federal ministries, air transport infrastructure, and industry partners attended the BARIG Networking & Conference Day hosted by the international airline association on March 2, 2026, at the Fotografiska in Berlin. The agenda included major current and critical topics related to passenger transport and air freight. In addition to the recent escalation in the Middle East, which is severely affecting air traffic, the focus was primarily on the continuing extremely challenging location costs, regulatory developments, and the necessary reduction of bureaucracy for the aviation industry in Germany.
Dialogue with politicians: Future agenda for aviation and tourism
Michael Hoppe, BARIG Chairman and Executive Director, highlighted: “The great response to our event clearly shows how important constructive cooperation and shared priorities are to all parties involved. Decisive progress and stability in aviation and tourism are only possible by working together with politicians and key industry stakeholders.”
From a political perspective, Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), explained: “Worldwide, the aviation industry faces major challenges that can only be overcome through close cooperation. As a central pillar of our global mobility, we need reliable aircraft, stable passenger and cargo connections, and strategically efficient infrastructure. This requires efficient processes, clear regulatory frameworks, and reliable cooperation between politicians, authorities, airports, and airlines. Therefore, networking events like this, which bring all relevant players together, are of particular importance. We will continue to work actively to improve the framework conditions and reduce burdens significantly.”
Aletta von Massenbach, CEO Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH and President of the German Airports Association ADV: “We are in close dialogue with airlines to continuously optimize joint processes and procedures. This enables airlines to further enhance their performance while simultaneously improving the passenger experience.”
BARIG: 75 years of shaping air transport
Michael Hoppe, who was recently unanimously re-elected and appointed as Secretary General and Chairman of BARIG for the next term in office until December 2029, pointed out the association’s long-standing role as a driving force, mediator and competent network for aviation topics. “For 75 years, BARIG’s work has been characterized by constructive cooperation within the industry while also coping with various geopolitical crises and pandemics. Under the motto ‘Joint spirit. Joint success.’, we are fully committed to representing the interests of our member airlines and making a significant contribution to responsibly shaping the future of air transport. Fair framework conditions and efficient processes in global aviation are essential in this regard.”
Further current BARIG topics and news on aviation are available at www.barig.aero/en/news.
