In 2024, Basel-Mulhouse Airport has made progress. The airport, which is central to Switzerland as well as France and Germany, welcomed a total of 8,9 million passengers, an increase of 10,2% compared to the previous year. This means that EuroAirport has almost reached the level of 2019, the last year before the pandemic, and 2024 is considered to be the second strongest year in the airport's history. This recovery and growth reflect the continued stable demand in international air traffic and the popularity of the airport.
EuroAirport's passenger numbers have recovered strongly compared to the pandemic year of 2020, and cargo numbers are also increasingly stabilizing. The 8,9 million passengers who will pass through EuroAirport in 2024 clearly show that the airport is well on its way to surpassing its previous records. Passenger traffic is now at 98% of 2019 levels, which is a remarkable achievement given the challenges of recent years.
An important factor in this positive development was the introduction of new technologies and processes that helped the airport to maintain orderly operations despite the delays in European airspace caused by reduced air traffic control capacity and bad weather. Two innovations that contributed to increased efficiency were the introduction of slot coordination (level 2) and the exchange of real-time data with the European air traffic control authority Eurocontrol.
The total number of flight movements also increased by 2024% in 6,6 compared to the previous year to a total of 94.124, with commercial flights accounting for 73.924. Interestingly, new destinations were also added to the flight schedule in 2024, such as Oslo and Dubai, which can now be reached directly from EuroAirport. This expansion of the network further strengthens the international importance of the airport and increases its attractiveness for travelers from the region.
Freight traffic: A return to pre-crisis levels
EuroAirport has also seen a gradual recovery in the freight sector after the pandemic. At 2024 tonnes, freight volume in 104.800 was slightly below the record level of 2019 (106.075 tonnes), but is increasingly settling at pre-crisis levels. This is a sign that the airport is continuing to assert its strategic role as an important hub in the trinational logistics cluster and remains stable.
Basel-Mulhouse Airport is particularly important in the pharmaceutical logistics industry, as it offers one of the world's best infrastructures for temperature-controlled deliveries. The decline in cargo volumes in 2024 compared to the previous year could be due to the general challenges in global trade, but the prospect of the airport returning to 2019 volumes is positive.
The Industrial Sector: Stability and Investment
The “Industry” business area, which includes in particular the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft, also showed stable development in 2024. Two companies, Jet Aviation and AMAC Aerospace, have announced that they will make substantial investments in their hangars and company buildings in the coming years, strengthening the long-term perspective of this business area.
In total, there are around 6.500 jobs at EuroAirport, of which around 428 are located directly at the airport operating company EuroAirport. The number of apprentices at the airport has also reached a record level, making EuroAirport one of the most important employers in the trinational region. The MRO industry as a whole is growing worldwide, which benefits Basel-Mulhouse Airport and also ensures the creation of new jobs.
Infrastructure Investments: The Way Forward
As part of the continued recovery of traffic, EuroAirport has increased its investments in airport infrastructure in 2024. This includes both maintenance and repair work. One of the largest measures in the coming years will be the "EMT" (Evolution Modulaire du Terminal) project, which envisages an extension and modernization of the terminal. Construction of the first "Landside" module is planned for 2027 and the entire project is to be completed by 2030/31.
In addition to these long-term investments, short-term measures are also being taken to improve the quality of service. Several projects to renovate and improve catering and sanitary areas, as well as signage and gate areas, are already being implemented or planned.
Outlook for 2025: Further expansion and new challenges
EuroAirport plans to continue its positive development in 2025. With a budgeted passenger volume of 9,2 million, the 2019 level will be exceeded for the first time. The agenda also includes a continuation of the investment projects, especially in the areas of service quality and infrastructure. The catering sector will be completely redesigned in 2025, with new restaurants and expanded offerings.
Another major project is the renovation of the runways, which is scheduled for 2026. Preparations for this major project will begin as early as 2025. EuroAirport is also involved in the planning for the airport's rail connection, a measure that is intended to improve the airport's accessibility and strengthen land connections in the long term.
In 2025, EuroAirport will also play an important role in major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest and the UEFA Women's EURO. As a "gateway to the world", the airport will continue to expand its capacities and contribute to strengthening the welcoming culture in the tri-national region.
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse experienced a remarkable recovery in 2024 and is optimistic about 2025. With stable growth in the passenger and freight sectors and numerous investments in infrastructure, the airport remains an indispensable part of the tri-national economic area. The planned projects and strategic developments will further establish EuroAirport as a major player in international air traffic and as an important regional employer.
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