Dresden Airport's 90-year journey: Blending past and future
Dresden Airport, a significant hub of the aviation industry, is gearing up to celebrate its 90th anniversary on July 11, 2025. The airport, opened on the same day in 1935, has witnessed a rich history spanning over nine decades.
In the 1950s, Dresden Airport regained its status as a centre of aviation once again. The infrastructure underwent significant expansion, including the construction of a new terminal, an integrated S-Bahn station, a larger parking garage, and the extension and renovation of the runway in 2006.
The airport's history is deeply rooted in the past, serving as a military and civilian airport during World War II. After the war, civil aviation came to a halt, but the airport was occupied by Soviet troops. It was not until the political turnaround in 1989 that the airport saw a rapid increase in air traffic. This surge led to a significant rise in passengers, from around 200,000 in 1990 to over one million by 1992.
The airport played a crucial role in aviation history, with the first German jet-powered transport aircraft, the "152," taking off from Dresden in 1958. However, the prototype of the "152" aircraft tragically crashed in March 1959.
Dresden Airport has been a breeding ground for aviation pioneers. Melli Beese, the first female German pilot, was born in Laubegast (now part of Dresden) on September 13, 1886. She earned her pilot's license on the same day in 1911 and died at the young age of 39 in Berlin in 1925. Beese was not only a pilot but also an aviation pioneer and aircraft constructor.
In honour of its anniversary, the airport has planned a series of events, including exhibitions, tours, lectures, and presentations. One such lecture, scheduled for October 26, 2025, will focus on Melli Beese, the first German female pilot from Dresden, and will be delivered by retired Captain Dr. Ulrich Unger.
Looking ahead, Dresden Airport aims to continue as a mobility partner, innovation hub, and regional economic driver, setting impulses for aviation and regional development. The airport's connection to international hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich contributes to the region's competitiveness.
Moreover, prominent companies in the forward-looking semiconductor industry have settled near Dresden Airport, including TSMC, GlobalFoundries, Infineon, X-Fab, and Bosch. Over 4,000 people work directly or indirectly on the grounds of Dresden Airport, with many employed in the traditional aviation industry, such as at Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH.
Since its opening in 1935 until June 2025, a total of 56,304,872 passengers have been counted at Dresden Airport. Between 1990 and June 2025, the airport recorded 1,156,039 flight movements.
For those interested in exploring the airport's history, Airport History Tours can be booked from 18 euros per person via the airport's website. These tours offer a unique insight into the airport's past and present.
As Dresden Airport celebrates its 90th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the city's rich aviation history and its continued commitment to innovation and growth in the industry.
