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
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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.