Swedavia Airports recorded solid overall travel figures for November, with international travel seeing growth despite a significant drop in domestic air traffic demand. The month saw over 2.3 million passengers pass through Swedavia’s network of airports, marking a near-identical result to 2023 but with notable shifts in the domestic and international travel segments.
International travel saw a modest three percent increase, reflecting a continued recovery in global mobility. However, domestic travel faced a steep 12 percent decline, a trend that mirrors ongoing changes in traveler preferences and possible economic factors influencing shorter-haul flight choices.
November’s passenger breakdown revealed over 1.7 million international passengers, while domestic travel numbers dwindled to approximately 614,000. Despite this, total air traffic remained resilient, just one percent lower than November 2023, and reached 78 percent of the levels seen in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
Expansion of Air Routes Signals Growth
The most notable development for Swedavia in November was the strategic expansion of long-haul air routes, particularly from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Two key airlines announced new international connections that promise to enhance Sweden’s global aviation presence.
Norse Atlantic Airways will launch a direct route to Bangkok in winter 2025, while Japan’s ANA will begin services between Stockholm Arlanda and Tokyo in January 2025. Swedavia’s President and CEO, Jonas Abrahamsson, highlighted that these new routes are not only a sign of recovery but also a testament to the airport’s efforts to bolster Sweden’s international competitiveness. “These investments are vital for business, tourism, and cultural exchange,” Abrahamsson remarked.
Winter Travel Outlook and New Routes
Looking ahead, the winter season promises further expansions, with several new services set to debut in December and early 2025:
- Norwegian will introduce a new Dubai-Arlanda route.
- Trade Air will launch a Pristina-Arlanda connection.
- SAS will operate a Copenhagen-Kiruna service.
- Air France will offer new Paris-Kiruna flights.
These additions are expected to further diversify Sweden’s air travel offerings during the winter and spring months, contributing to the country’s recovery and enhanced connectivity.
Performance Across Key Airports
Stockholm Arlanda, Sweden’s busiest airport, showed remarkable resilience, handling over 1.6 million passengers, with international traffic growing by four percent to more than 1.3 million travelers. Domestic traffic, however, experienced a 15 percent drop, reaching just 248,000 passengers. Arlanda has now recovered to 86 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity.
Göteborg Landvetter Airport also reported stable performance, with international passenger numbers rising by three percent to 315,000. However, domestic travel saw a sharper decline of 20 percent, dropping to 43,000 passengers. The airport currently operates at 75 percent of its pre-pandemic levels.
Regional Airports: Mixed Results
Swedavia’s regional airports showed varied results. Umeå and Luleå airports posted the most robust year-over-year performances compared to November 2023. Luleå, in particular, stood out with a notable recovery in passenger traffic, outpacing 2019’s pre-pandemic figures. On the other hand, Ronneby Airport faced more challenging conditions, highlighting the uneven nature of the recovery across different airports.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Aviation Landscape
Despite the dip in domestic travel, Swedavia Airports are showing strong signs of recovery, particularly in international markets. Stockholm Arlanda continues to lead the charge, with substantial growth in global connectivity and strategic route expansions. As airlines refine their operations over the coming months, the aviation sector is adapting to shifting travel demands, making for a dynamic and promising outlook heading into 2025.
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