Summer passenger traffic growth accelerates despite geopolitical uncertainties

In ACI EUROPE’s August air traffic report, passenger traffic grew +3.9% in July and +3.1% in August – an acceleration from July’s +2.1%.

Despite this growth, divergences across national markets persist. Non-EU+ airports recorded particularly strong growth in both July (+6.6%) and August (+6%), while growth in the EU+ market was more moderate (July: +3.4%; August: +2.5%). Airports in the non-EU+ market also recorded wide variations in passenger traffic performance, reflecting differing exposure to geopolitical developments as well as stronger underlying demand growth in less mature aviation markets.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, commented: ‘The rebound in passenger traffic over the peak Summer months shows that air travel demand remains resilient despite continued geopolitical tensions, deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, supply constraints and higher air fares…

…But these headline growth figures mask stark divergences across national markets. Geopolitics are increasingly shaping performance, with passenger traffic stalling – or even declining – in several markets that would normally enjoy strong summer demand.’

PRESS RELEASE
Passenger traffic strengthens over summer despite geopolitical and economic headwinds