The study examines actual entry and exit dynamics in the German airline market in light of the European liberalization process. For this purpose, flight schedules data was used to derive entry and exit statistics for a set of chosen inner-German routes over a period of thirteen years. Data was analysed in cross-sectional and longitudinal manner while identifying different entry waves and examining incumbent behaviour with respect to entry deterrence strategies. Furthermore, the markets concentration and structure was tracked to allow a conclusion with respect to the markets contestability after liberalization. The results suggest the existence of remaining structural barriers to entry and depict a rather unsatisfactory overall state of the post liberalized market.

Nicole Petrick-Felber studied Business and Economics at Humboldt University of Berlin, the Higher School of Economics in Moscow and ESCP Europe in Paris. She holds a Master's Degree in Economics and Management Science from Humboldt University of Berlin and works as a management consultant.