In the first 6 months of this year, passenger traffic at European airports decreased by 76.9% compared to the first 6 months of 2019, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, according to data published by Airports Council International (ACI). Compared to the first half of 2020, passenger traffic at European airports decreased by 36.2%.
The recorded decrease was the direct result of travel restrictions imposed by member states at the beginning of the year and following in the spring, when the continent was hit by the third wave of the pandemic. Although the impact occurred across all airports on the continent, those located in the EU were the most affected.
The weakest results occurred in airports in Ireland (with a 93.5% decrease in passenger traffic), the United Kingdom (92.9%), Finland (92.1%), and Hungary (91.9%).
The smallest decreases were recorded in airports in Romania (71.7%), Bulgaria (73.6%), Greece (76.9%), and Spain (78.8%).
Passenger traffic at non-EU airports performed better, with a 42.9% decrease compared to the first half of 2019 and a 36% increase compared to the first 6 months of 2020, due to shorter and less severe travel restrictions and larger, more resilient domestic markets.
In the first half of the year, the best overall passenger traffic results were recorded at airports in Russia (down 27.2%), Kosovo (32%), Uzbekistan (41.8%), Ukraine (47.6%), and Turkey (59.7%).
The disparity between the EU market and the rest of Europe resulted in the five busiest European airports in the first half of the year being in Russia and Turkey, with Istanbul (with a 62.5% traffic decrease) in the first position, followed by Moscow-Sheremetyevo (51.4%), Istanbul-Sabiha Gokcen (47.1%), Moscow-Vnukovo (25.9%), and Moscow-Domodedovo (14%).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main cause of the decline in air traffic in H1 2021?The decline was a direct result of travel restrictions imposed by member states in response to the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which European Union countries were most affected?Ireland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Hungary recorded the largest decreases in passenger traffic, exceeding the 90% threshold.
Why did non-EU airports perform better?They benefited from less severe travel restrictions and larger, more resilient domestic markets, particularly in Russia and Turkey.