European airports surpass pre-Covid passenger levels

Half of Europe’s airports are still struggling to reach pre-pandemic traffic numbers, with structural changes in the aviation market playing a key role

In 2024, Europe’s airports exceeded pre-pandemic passenger numbers, handling over 2.5 billion travelers, marking a 7.4% increase compared to 2023 and a 1.8% rise over 2019 levels. Despite challenges like high airfares, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions, the recovery was largely driven by international travel. However, domestic travel still lags behind 2019 levels.

Key takeaways

• Europe's airports surpassed 2019 levels, with a 7.4% increase in passengers in 2024;
• International passenger traffic saw a strong growth of 8.8%, while domestic travel was still 6.3% below 2019 levels;
• Almost half of Europe’s airports have not yet returned to pre-pandemic traffic levels due to structural shifts and geopolitical factors;
• The top five airports in Europe by passenger numbers were Heathrow, Istanbul, Paris CDG, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Madrid;
• There was a shift towards rail travel in some regions, and leisure and low-cost carriers were significant drivers of demand;
• ACI Europe forecasts a 4% growth in passenger traffic for 2025, but notes risks due to economic and geopolitical uncertainties;
• Despite challenges, air travel demand remains resilient, driven by shifting market dynamics and changing consumer preferences. However, regional differences highlight a "multi-speed" recovery across Europe’s airports.

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