TRIWO Hahn Airport and its former CEO, Rene Steinhaus, have parted ways “by mutual agreement” following the end of his probation period. It is likely to have been one of the shortest tenures of any airport CEO at a German airport, as Steinhaus had only assumed the position on 01APR26. HHN owner TRIWO AG has not yet decided on a successor.
Hahn Airport, located 120 km southwest of Frankfurt, has seen many leadership changes at the highest levels throughout its eventful history. Nevertheless, the departure of CEO, Rene Steinhaus, effective 31AUG26, after only six months on the job, comes as a surprise. This is especially true given that he is no newcomer but has many years of experience in the aviation and transportation industries. He gained this experience in various roles at Fraport AG, Luxembourg Airport and at the Swedish company Einride, a specialist in electric and autonomous truck developments (CFG reported: https://cargoforwarder.eu/2026/03/15/exclusive-steinhaus-to-become-new-ceo-of-hahn-airport) Local sources assured this online portal that a letter from TRIWO’s management to the staff refers to a “mutually agreed separation.” However, this is likely to be just a diplomatic phrase; no further explanation has been given.
Traffic stagnation…
Insiders claim that Steinhaus failed to acquire a single new passenger or cargo airline during his brief tenure. Others praise his friendly manner but argue that he got bogged down in minor details instead of setting clear priorities for stabilizing the company’s finances. This would include engaging in targeted discussions with key clients such as Ryanair, Wizzair, Egyptair Cargo and others to optimize business relationships. A revival of passenger traffic would have boosted retail and increased revenue from parking fees.
The air cargo business also failed to gain real momentum during his tenure as CEO, even though data indicate that tonnage and flight movements rose by about 20% in 01HY26. While 258,640 metric tons were handled in 2021 – mainly due to the many irregular flights resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic – the volume dropped to 106,640 tons last year. Since Steinhaus took the helm at Hahn only this April, he is not responsible for the decline in volumes. But he failed to improve the figures notably, critics claim.
…despite attractive operating conditions
HHN is one of the few German airports with a 24/07/365 operating license and has no slot restrictions. This makes the place particularly attractive to cargo airlines preferring flexible takeoff and landing times due to complex operations. There are, however, shortcomings in its marketing efforts, observers say.
Steinhaus’s departure from airport management does not create a vacuum at HHN’s top deck as, in addition to airport owner Peter Adrian, two managers – Jan Glockauer and Robert Willems – are legally responsible for the airport’s business activities. However, as they have been heavily engaged in the highly diversified affairs of parent TRIWO AG who acquired Hahn in APR23, neither of them has so far been directly involved in Hahn’s operational activities. An inquiry sent by CargoForwarder Global last Thursday (03SEP26) to TRIWO management regarding the appointment of a new CEO and the stabilization of the airport’s business operations has thus far remained unanswered.
