Düsseldorf Airport welcomed its 21-millionth passenger in 2025

A surprise on the morning of the last day of the year: While checking in for her Etihad Airways flight via Abu Dhabi to Phuket, Dorit Golling and her husband Maik were welcomed as the airport’s 21-millionth passenger of the year. The airline presented the couple from Neuss with a flight voucher for their next trip together. The airport made the surprise complete with an invitation to the Open Sky Lounge as well as vouchers for dining and shopping.

Etihad Airways, which currently operates daily flights between Düsseldorf and Abu Dhabi, will expand its service to two daily flights starting in September. This will increase the range of connection and transfer options via the Gulf for the couple who received the gift, as well as for all travelers.

“21 million passengers is a strong result and a testament to our guests’ trust,” says Lars Redeligx, CEO of Düsseldorf Airport. “My thanks go to all travelers, as well as the entire DUS team and our partners, who work tirelessly to ensure reliable operations and a pleasant journey for our guests. This success in what has certainly been a challenging year belongs to all of us.”

By reaching the 21-million-passenger milestone, Düsseldorf Airport continues its recovery from the pandemic. With 20 million passengers in 2024, demand continues to grow. Despite structural challenges facing the industry in Germany and occasional difficulties during peak periods, the airport, together with its partners, has succeeded in further stabilizing operations and improving the travel experience.

The symbolic welcome of the 21-millionth passenger puts an exclamation point on the year and at the same time underscores the commitment to consistently continue on this path in 2026.