Düsseldorf to invest €100m in non-aviation expansion

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The enlargement of the airport’s duty-free offer is part of its preparations to become a regional hub

Düsseldorf International airport is to invest €300m ($456.5m) as part of its preparations to become a regional hub, €100m ($152.1m) of which will be dedicated to the non-aviation segment. At present long-haul flights represent 10% of the total and the airport expects that proportion to grow to 20% in the medium term.

The airport is expanding the duty-free area in terminal C and all shopping and eating facilities are being enhanced to reflect the new hub concept. Düsseldorf International spokesperson for the board of management Christoph Blume said: “We will continue to offer our growing numbers of customers a pleasant atmosphere at the airport with innovative shops, new ideas in gastronomy and optimised shopping areas."

Another focus for the airport is reducing passengers’ transfer times, guaranteeing that travellers can reach the plane in 35 minutes. “We want to be the airport with the shortest and easiest transfers,” explained Blume. “In cooperation with the airlines, we will expand our airport to optimally implement hub functions. We have an excellent starting point for this.”