The number of passengers at Tallinn Airport was record-breaking last year. However, the profit was only half a million euros. The reason: regional airports brought a loss of 7.7 million euros. These airports are located in Tartu, Pärnu, Kärdla, Kuressaare, Ruhnu, and Kihnu. Their maintenance is expensive and could make flights from Tallinn more costly.
Airlines need more subsidies and discounts. They are directing aircraft to more profitable routes. Tallinn Airport wants the state to give them a share of the revenue from the sale of Nordica aircraft. The Ministry of Climate does not rule out this possibility. They want to discuss how to keep airport fees competitive.
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi says that the money from the sale will go to the state budget. He is critical of regional airports. In his opinion, their maintenance is not worth it and should be part of a separate regional policy.
Aviation expert Sven Kukemelk says that Tallinn Airport must bear the burden of regional airports. At the same time, dividends are paid to the owners. His recommendation is to move regional airports to a separate organization. Tallinn Airport should focus only on developing flights from Tallinn. This way, a separate organization can focus on the low-cost operation of regional airports.