 Previously, DFS was Founded as a private GmbH.DFS's running costs are covered by applicable route charges ( "Flugsicherungsgebühren", collected by Eurocontrol for its 37 participating member states) and by approach and departure fees (determination by the BMVI by ordinance and collected directly by DFS)

According to the Gesellschaftsvertrag, DFS is a not-for-profit company.Any surpluses generated must also be repaid in accordance with the internationally accepted principles for the collection of air navigation charges to airspace users.