Air traffic across Europe continued its upward trajectory in October, as passenger numbers grew by 5.5% compared to the same month in 2023, according to the latest figures from ACI Europe, the continent’s airport association. This increase mirrors the positive trend seen in September, with traffic also surpassing pre-pandemic levels, rising 3.3% compared to October 2019.
Strong International Traffic Drives Growth
ACI Europe attributes much of the growth to a significant rise in international travel, which increased by 7.1% year-on-year in October. In contrast, domestic air traffic remained stagnant across Europe, reflecting a broader shift towards international routes as travel patterns continue to evolve.
Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI Europe, emphasized that the strong performance in October is part of a broader trend of recovery in 2024. “Despite rising airfares, up by an average of 30% this year compared to pre-Covid levels, as well as softening economic sentiment and growing geopolitical tensions, demand for air travel has remained resilient,” Jankovec said.
However, Jankovec pointed out that the recovery across Europe’s airport network has been uneven. While overall passenger traffic now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, 45% of European airports remain below their 2019 figures, highlighting significant disparities across different national markets and aviation sectors.
Regional Variations and Challenges
Germany’s airports are among those still lagging in their recovery, with October’s passenger numbers down by 12.1% compared to October 2019. While traffic grew by 4.1% year-on-year at German airports, the country’s slow recovery has been attributed to national aviation policies, particularly high taxes, which ACI Europe claims have hindered market recovery and air connectivity.
The ongoing geopolitical situation, particularly the conflict in Israel, has also impacted air travel, with ACI Europe reporting a 7.2% decline in October 2023 traffic and a steep 52.6% drop compared to October 2019.
Major Hubs and Growth Areas
London Heathrow remained Europe’s busiest airport in October, followed by Istanbul and Paris Charles de Gaulle. In Germany, Frankfurt saw only minimal growth, further underscoring the challenges facing the country’s aviation sector.
Meanwhile, several airports in Eastern and Southern Europe, including Budapest, Prague, Milan Malpensa, and Athens, reported double-digit year-on-year growth, reflecting strong demand in these regions.
Overall, while Europe’s air traffic continues to recover, the data highlights a complex landscape where certain markets and airports are thriving, while others, particularly those impacted by national policies and geopolitical instability, face slower recovery rates.
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