Austria prolongs Schengen border checks with four neighbours until March 2027
Austria posts lowest asylum applications in 30 years and steps up deportations
Austria prolongs internal border controls with Hungary, Slovenia, Czechia and Slovakia until March 2027
Latest News
Austria reports record low asylum applications and record removals in 2026
Interior-ministry data published on 23 October reveal only 7,397 asylum claims in the first nine months of 2026 (-45 % YoY) and a record 11,975 departures, reflecting Vienna’s tough stance that includes suspended family reunification and fast-track rejections. The trend tightens the labour pool for employers relying on humanitarian hires. ([bmi.gv.at](https://www.bmi.gv.at/newsd7ff.html?id=70704656716466576b7a773d))
Record low asylum applications and record high deportations confirm Austria’s hard-line migration policy
Interior-ministry data released on 23 October reveal that asylum requests have fallen to their lowest level in decades while forced returns hit an all-time high, underscoring Austria’s tough stance on irregular migration. Companies should expect continued strict document checks and limited access to labour via the asylum channel.
Lower Austria and Vienna escalate campaign to scrap Austria’s €12 flight tax
On 23 October lawmakers in Lower Austria backed by Vienna’s city hall demanded the immediate abolition of Austria’s passenger flight tax, arguing that the €12 levy is diverting travellers to Bratislava and costing the Vienna hub jobs. Airlines and industry bodies say scrapping the duty could add 2,500 jobs and €188 million to GDP, while the federal finance ministry maintains the tax funds climate measures. ([heute.at](https://www.heute.at/s/passagier-schwund-noe-fordert-ende-der-flugabgabe-120271160))
Austrian Airlines operates final Vienna–Graz flight, ending 63 years of domestic service
Austrian Airlines has flown Vienna–Graz for the last time, citing chronic losses and passenger migration to rail. Graz airport loses about 8 % of its traffic, while Lufthansa Group will compensate with more seats to Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich. Corporates should move bookings to ÖBB Railjet and expect similar cuts on other sub-300 km routes.
Austrian Airlines to drop long-running Vienna–Zagreb route in January 2027
Austrian Airlines confirmed on 23 October that it will end Vienna–Zagreb flights on 10 January 2027, ending a four-decade run and leaving codeshare partner Croatia Airlines as sole operator. The cut will force business travellers and exporters to adjust routings and underscores Austrian’s retreat from short regional sectors. ([airliners.de](https://www.airliners.de/austrian-airlines-stellt-verbindung-wien-zagreb-januar-2027/91053))
Austria joins EU-wide crackdown that nets 27 suspected human traffickers and identifies 248 victims
Austrians took part in an EU-wide enforcement sweep that resulted in 27 arrests for human trafficking and the identification of 248 exploited workers. The case underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of cross-border labour supply chains and the need for Austrian employers to vet subcontractors and right-to-work documents carefully.
Autumn-holiday rush: Authorities warn of heavy traffic, border queues and road closures from 22-26 October
Traffic authorities predict severe congestion on Austria’s motorways and at border crossings during the 22–26 October autumn-holiday period, while National Day events will close key roads in Vienna. Travellers and logistics firms should add buffer time and update vehicle-compliance checks, including winter-tyre and toll rules.
Government unveils ‘Vision T’ action plan to lift tourism value-added and tackle staff shortages
Austria’s new 25-point Action Plan 2026/27 aims to boost tourism profitability, extend the season and plug labour gaps through higher investment incentives and a revised quota for non-EU seasonal workers. Employers should watch for imminent regulations on winter-season permits.
Austrian Airlines to axe Vienna–Zagreb service after four decades
Austrian Airlines will end its Vienna–Zagreb flights on 10 January 2027, citing network optimisation. Croatia Airlines will become sole operator, forcing Austrian business travellers to rely on fewer daily frequencies and potentially longer door-to-door times. The cut further pressures Vienna Airport’s short-haul network and reduces connectivity for Zagreb’s investment climate.
Lower Austria and Vienna intensify campaign to scrap Austria’s €12 flight tax
On 22 October 2026, Lower Austria’s parliament filed an urgent motion demanding the abolition of Austria’s €12 (up to €30) flight tax, arguing the levy drives passengers—and jobs—to neighbouring airports. Vienna’s leadership and business groups back the move, saying the charge undermines hub competitiveness and corporate mobility. The federal coalition now faces mounting pressure to reform or repeal the tax ahead of 2027 budget planning.
Spain and Italy lift Schengen checks—spotlight returns to Austria’s prolonged border controls
With Spain and Italy ending their temporary Schengen checks, attention shifts back to Austria, which continues to enforce land-border controls until at least March 2027. The contrast complicates cross-border commuting and freight into Austria and invites renewed EU scrutiny over the proportionality of the Austrian measures.