European airports set a new record for passenger numbers last year, surpassing the 2.5 billion mark, according to a report by ACI Europe, the umbrella organization representing airports across the continent. This figure represents a 1.8% increase compared to 2019, the last full year before the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global air travel.
The report highlights a significant growth of over 7% in the number of travelers compared to the previous year, primarily driven by a surge in international air traffic. ACI Europe’s director, Olivier Jankovec, noted that European airports welcomed an additional 200 million passengers last year. This remarkable achievement was realized despite several economic hurdles, including a sharp rise in ticket prices, ongoing supply chain disruptions, subdued economic growth, and geopolitical tensions.
Looking ahead, ACI anticipates continued growth in passenger numbers for the current year, reflecting ongoing recovery and expansion in the aviation sector.
London Heathrow maintained its status as the busiest European airport in 2024, handling 83.9 million passengers, which marks a 6% increase from the previous year. This growth is indicative of the resilience and adaptability of European airports amid challenging economic conditions.