Rheinland-Pfalz is seeking more than €5.4 million from the federal government to cover aviation-security costs at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport in 2021. The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig heard the state’s claim on 5 November. The expenses include passenger and baggage screening and patrols by contracted security services. The court has not indicated when it will deliver its decision.
The state argues that the costs arose from aviation-security duties performed on the federal government’s behalf and should therefore be reimbursed. The federal government disputes the claim, maintaining that the costs should be covered by the aviation-security fee. It also argues that airport patrols are a police responsibility and do not require private security contractors.
The case, BVerwG 3 A 1.24, concerns how expenses for delegated aviation-security functions are divided between federal and state authorities. Rheinland-Pfalz has also filed a claim for costs incurred in 2022.
The state audit office identified €20.6 million in costs at Frankfurt-Hahn from 2019 to 2024 that were not covered by revenues. The shortfall was met from the state budget. The costs included services for passenger and goods screening, patrols and protection of control points at the airport.