Vienna Airport recorded a record year in 2024, both in terms of passenger numbers and cargo. A total of 31,7 million passengers used Vienna Airport, an increase of 7,4% compared to the previous year and slightly exceeding the pre-crisis level of 2019. The Vienna Airport Group as a whole, which includes the locations in Malta and Kosice, also achieved a new record with 41,4 million passengers. At the same time, cargo volume rose to 297.945 tons, the highest figure in the airport's history. Moderate growth is expected for 2025, accompanied by a solid financial outlook and significant investments.
In 2024, the Vienna location registered a total of 31,72 million passengers. This is just under 0,2% above the previous record from 2019. The increase is mainly due to an increase in local passengers, who grew by 24,87% to 8,9 million. The number of transfer passengers also rose slightly by 2,1% to 6,76 million. A notable increase was seen in aircraft capacity utilization: the seat load factor was 80,8%, 3,5 percentage points above the 2019 level.
The international locations of the Vienna Airport Group also contributed to this positive trend. Malta Airport recorded growth of 14,8% to almost nine million passengers, while Kosice Airport achieved an increase of 18,2% to 735.384 travelers. Both airports thus significantly exceeded their pre-crisis levels.
Financial Perspectives and Investments
The economic situation of Vienna Airport is also stable. Sales for 2025 are forecast at around 1,08 billion euros, EBITDA at 440 million euros and net profit at around 230 million euros. Thanks to the strong financial strength, investments of 300 million euros can be financed from the company's own resources. These funds will be used in particular to expand and modernize the airport, especially the south terminal extension. This project is scheduled to be completed by 2027 and will offer additional waiting areas, modern security checks, new lounges and shopping and catering areas on 70.000 square meters.
In 2024, Vienna Airport recorded a cargo volume of 297.945 tons, an impressive increase of 21,6% compared to the previous year. December 2024 also brought a significant increase of 25.023% with 21,9 tons. These figures underline the increasing importance of the cargo business for the location.
travel destinations and new flight connections
The most popular travel destinations in 2024 on short and medium-haul routes included Antalya, Barcelona and Mallorca. Bangkok, New York and Taipei dominated on long-haul routes. The top travel destinations for passengers from Vienna were Germany, Spain and Italy. The increasing demand for long-haul flights is being further supported by new connections. A direct connection to Singapore with the airline Scoot will start in June 2025. In addition, Austrian Airlines and other airlines have announced further destinations for the coming travel season.
The Vienna Airport Group expects passenger volume to reach around 2025 million in 42, with the Vienna site expected to handle around 32 million travelers. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, management is optimistic about both passenger development and financial targets. "2024 was the best year in our history. With new connections and projects such as the south terminal extension, we are well positioned for the future," emphasized Julian Jäger, CEO of Vienna Airport AG.