Commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) and published by NOW GmbH, the potential analysis ‘Hydrogen at Germany airports’ by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML particularly emphasises the importance of modular concepts and regional cooperation for a successful rollout.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder: “Hydrogen will also play an important role in aviation – albeit with a realistic perspective with regards to fields of applications and timelines. The study shows that we must set the right course now: with modular planning of infrastructure, targeted applications and close coordination with regional partners. This is how we will create the foundation for an economically viable and climate-friendly use of hydrogen at airports.”
The study portrays a nuanced picture of options for using hydrogen in aviation. Widespread use in the short term is not anticipated – the airplane technology is still in development. Instead, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) will play a key role in decarbonising aviation at first. Accordingly, large-scale development of infrastructure for liquid hydrogen is not feasible at the moment beyond conceptional preparations.
Potential, particularly in apron operations
In the short and medium term, the use of gaseous hydrogen in apron operations provides opportunities. This includes vehicles and ground support equipment. Initial applications are essentially feasible and should be tested in clearly defined pilot projects aimed at operational learning processes. Mobile and reversible infrastructural solutions can assist in limiting investment risks and guaranteeing adaptability.
At the same time, the study shows that these applications by themselves are insufficient in order to ensure an economically feasible hydrogen infrastructure at airports. Limited availability of production-ready vehicles as well as high investment and operational costs remain major challenges.
Regional multi-use approaches as the key
Robust regional networking is essential. In future, airports can open up their hydrogen infrastructure to external users – for example for logistics and freight transport, local public transport or bordering industrial and commercial locations. In such multi-use ecosystems, airports assume the role of integrators and facilitators, without necessarily becoming infrastructure operators themselves.
Framework conditions and implementation
According to the study, the biggest obstacles to the development of hydrogen infrastructure currently are less about the technology itself, but rather about regulatory and economic issues. These include in particular, a lack of norms and standards, complex licensing and liability issues as well as uncertainties in relation to demand and business models. A reliable regulatory framework and targeted support can contribute to lower risks and stimulate investment.
Dagmar Fehler, CEO and Spokesperson of NOW GmbH: “The study outlines specific measures for airport operators, policy-makers and business – but this is not a sprint, it is a systematic process of transformation. The ramp-up will only be feasible if the infrastructure grows in a modular way, is regionally integrated and is used in collaboration with partners. Planning in this way today will ensure that real capacity for action is created for tomorrow.”
Along with a management summary, the study is available online. NOW GmbH will also present the results in detail on 27 May 2026 at an online seminar along with the authors of the study.
