After the profound slump during the Corona pandemic, European airports are experiencing an impressive comeback. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet in particular are recording strong increases in passenger numbers. According to the association of European airports ACI Europe, the industry has "finally" left the crisis behind. This development is not only bringing passenger numbers back to pre-crisis levels, but in some cases even exceeding them.

Low-cost airlines are the main players behind the passenger boom, driving growth especially at tourist destinations. According to ACI Europe, this has resulted in European airports recording a total passenger count of 2024 percent above pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 0,4. The increase is particularly impressive in Albania: With its picturesque Adriatic coast, passenger numbers there rose by 243 percent in June this year compared to 2019. This increase is mainly due to the expansion of ultra-low-cost airlines.

Other holiday destinations also recorded notable increases. Greece registered a 23,9 percent increase in passenger numbers, Portugal 14,2 percent and Croatia 13,6 percent. These destinations are benefiting from the increased demand for leisure travel and the aggressive expansion of low-cost airlines, which are offering attractive deals to holidaymakers.

In contrast to the positive trends in holiday destinations, Germany is seeing a decline in passenger numbers. Compared to the first half of 2019, the numbers fell by 17 percent. ACI Europe attributes this to the decreasing number of domestic flights and business trips, which are increasingly being replaced by video conferences and train journeys. This reflects a change in travel behavior that has been accelerated by the pandemic.

Regional airports on the rise

Some regional airports are seeing notable increases. Memmingen Airport in southern Bavaria, a major hub for Ryanair, Wizz Air and Eurowings, saw passenger numbers increase by 73,7 percent compared to 2019. Similar trends are evident at remote low-cost airports such as Beauvais in France, up 62,4 percent, and Bergamo in Italy, up 30,1 percent. These airports are benefiting from increased demand for low-cost travel options.

Olivier Jankovec, head of ACI Europe, expects this year to be the "best summer ever in terms of passenger traffic". The association's figures take into account 500 airports in 55 countries, including Turkey, Israel and Russia. The robust increases in passenger traffic reflect not only the recovery of the industry, but also a shift towards price-conscious travellers who are attracted by the offerings of low-cost airlines.

The impressive recovery in passenger numbers at European airports marks a significant turning point for the aviation industry. Driven by the strong performance of low-cost airlines, passenger numbers are not only returning to pre-crisis levels, but in many cases exceeding them. Despite regional differences, such as the decline in Germany, the overall trend is pointing in a positive direction. This development highlights the adaptability and resilience of the industry, as well as the continued attractiveness of travel in a post-pandemic world.