Upper Austria seeks investor for Linz Airport

Upper Austria has begun seeking a strategic partner for Linz Airport, with an investor able to buy up to 49 percent of the airport company, ORF reported. The state will retain a majority stake.

The search for potential investors runs from November 14, 2026, to January 11, 2027. The state is looking for a financially strong, long-term partner with experience in the airport or infrastructure business.

Upper Austria’s new economy councillor, Christiane Frauscher of the Austrian People’s Party, called the airport key infrastructure for the state’s economy. She said a partner should help develop it and secure its long-term importance to business, industry and tourism. The state’s majority ownership, she said, would preserve public influence.

The airport remains loss-making. Its 2025 after-tax result was a loss of 2.06 million euros, down from 10.98 million euros the previous year. In 2025, the Upper Austrian Court of Audit described the airport’s financial outlook as a major challenge, though it later noted initial steps towards a strategic realignment.

Bidders must explain how they would develop the airport’s business, including plans for investment, market access and its long-term future. The city of Linz previously sold its 50 percent stake to the state, which now owns the airport company outright. The airport has had a new managing director, Jörg Ebbighausen, since October.

The Greens have called for clear conditions for any investor. Their parliamentary group leader, Severin Mayr, warned against allowing private investors to take any profits while leaving financial risks with the public. He also called for full transparency on liabilities and how costs would be shared, particularly in light of required investment and PFAS contamination.