European Airports Surpass Pre-COVID Passenger Numbers, Finland's Recovery Lags

In 2024, European airports collectively exceeded pre-pandemic passenger volumes, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry's recovery.

European Aviation's Resurgence

Data from 2024 indicates that European airports saw a 7.4% increase in air travel compared to the previous year, surpassing 2019 figures by 1.8%. This growth was particularly notable in countries like Turkey, Italy, and Spain, where airports experienced substantial passenger increases.

For instance, London's Heathrow Airport reported 83.9 million passengers, a 5.9% rise from the previous year, setting new records during the summer months.

Major events, such as international concerts and sporting events, significantly contributed to this surge.

Finland's Slower Recovery

Contrasting the broader European trend, Finland's airports have struggled to regain their pre-pandemic traffic levels.

Passenger volumes remain 25% below those of 2019, positioning Finland behind its Nordic counterparts; Norway's airports operated at 95% and Sweden's at 81% of their 2019 capacities.

Finavia, the entity overseeing Finland's airports, reported serving 19.6 million passengers in 2024, with Helsinki Airport accounting for 16.3 million.

The sluggish recovery is largely attributed to the closure of Russian airspace, impacting Asian flight routes and reducing transfer passenger numbers.

International vs. Domestic Traffic in Finland

In 2024, Finland's international air traffic grew by 8.8%, while domestic travel saw a modest increase of 2.5%, still 6.3% below pre-pandemic levels.

This aligns with global trends, where international routes are anticipated to drive more robust growth.

Leisure Travel: A Key Driver

Leisure travel has been pivotal in the resurgence of air traffic across Europe.

Tourism-centric destinations such as Malta, Croatia, Italy, and Greece have witnessed notable passenger increases.

In Finland, leisure travel, especially to Lapland, has been instrumental in driving traffic.

Rovaniemi Airport, serving as a gateway to Lapland, recorded a 29% passenger increase in 2024, reaching 948,151 travelers.

Conclusion

While European airports have, on average, rebounded to and even exceeded pre-COVID passenger volumes, Finland's aviation sector continues to face challenges.

Geopolitical issues, particularly the closure of Russian airspace, coupled with a sluggish domestic market, have impeded Finland's full recovery.

Nonetheless, the growth in leisure travel, especially to regions like Lapland, offers a silver lining and potential avenue for future growth.