Austrian aviation on the rise: passenger numbers and freight volumes reach record levels

In 2024, the Austrian aviation industry experienced strong growth, which was mainly characterized by the increase in passenger numbers and air freight volumes. In total, around 35,5 million passengers were counted at Austria's six commercial airports, an increase of 7 percent compared to the previous year. Air freight also recorded a remarkable increase of 17,7 percent to a total of 374.607 tons. This underlines not only the great importance of airports for the domestic economy, but also their role as important international hubs for air traffic.

The aviation industry in Austria has proven to be one of the few economic sectors that has been able to achieve significant growth in recent years. With a turnover of 8,2 billion euros, the industry contributed around 1,75 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and secured more than 83.000 jobs - both directly and indirectly. These successes are largely due to Austria's commercial airports, which not only serve as important tourist and economic hubs, but also play a key role in the global logistics chain.

Mag. Julian Jäger, President of the Association of Austrian Airports (AÖV) and CEO of Flughafen Wien AG, stressed in a statement that the Austrian aviation industry is dependent on further growth. He called for clear political signals and conditions that promote growth, such as the abolition or at least the earmarking of the aviation tax. This would enable airports to maintain their competitiveness and continue to participate in the global upswing.

Strong passenger growth and different regional developments

Austrian airports recorded a total of 35.507.018 passengers in 2024, an increase of 7 percent compared to the previous year. The airports in the larger cities such as Vienna and Salzburg in particular benefited from the increasing demand for holiday and private travel. The number of passengers in Vienna rose to 31,7 million, an increase of 7,4 percent. Salzburg also achieved above-average results with an increase of 10,7 percent to 1,79 million passengers.

However, the development was different at some regional airports. Innsbruck and Linz had to accept declines. Innsbruck recorded a decline of 4,9 percent to 862.202 passengers, while Linz recorded a significant decline of 22,4 percent to just 180.694 passengers. It is particularly noteworthy that the hub connections between Innsbruck and Frankfurt and Linz and Frankfurt were temporarily suspended, which affected the increase in passenger numbers in these regions.

Air freight is booming: Strong increase in 2024

Air freight volumes in Austria rose by 2024 percent to 17,7 tons in 374.607. This positive development highlights the increasing role of airports as important logistics hubs that continue to boost international trade and the economy. Even though the total number of flight movements was still below the 2019 level, the increase in freight volumes shows the resilience of the sector. It is particularly noteworthy that Vienna Airport plays a central role as a hub for international freight traffic and thus significantly promotes not only passenger traffic but also the transport of goods.

Flight movements are increasing, but still below pre-crisis levels

The number of take-offs and landings at Austrian commercial airports rose by 2024 percent in 4,8 to a total of 271.479 flight movements. Nevertheless, this figure remains 15,1 percent below the pre-crisis level of 2019. Vienna recorded the largest increase with an increase of 5,9 percent to 234.138 flight movements, while smaller airports such as Linz and Klagenfurt recorded some declines.

The average aircraft capacity utilization, measured by the seat load factor, rose to 79,7 percent across the country - an increase of 0,9 percentage points compared to the previous year. This shows that demand for flights continues to grow and that airlines are able to use their capacities efficiently.

The numbers at a glance:

Passengers (arriving, departing and transit, scheduled and charter)

Outlook: The Austrian aviation industry on track

The Association of Austrian Airports expects the aviation industry to continue its positive development in the coming years. Airports play a key role as economic drivers for their respective regions and make a significant contribution to increasing Austria's competitiveness in international comparison. The increasing number of passengers and the growing volume of air freight give cause for optimism. However, in order to secure the successes and enable further growth, according to the experts of the AÖV, clear political measures are required to improve the framework conditions for the aviation industry.

The figures for 2024 show that the Austrian aviation industry is still on a solid growth path. Although there are regional differences, overall the airports benefit from strong demand in passenger and freight traffic. This confirms the important role of aviation as an economic factor for Austria, both nationally and internationally. The positive development could be further strengthened by political support and future-oriented investments.