European Airport Traffic Forecast Scenarios: April 2025 update

2025 & Beyond: Slower/"Normalised" Growth Ahead

  • The post-pandemic rebound is fading, with growth dropping from +7.7% in 2024 vs. 2023 to +3.6% in 2025 (vs. 2024) before slowing further at +3.2% in 2028 (vs. 2027).

  • This reflects increased macro-economic uncertainty and continued inflationary pressures, as well as capacity constraints and growing market maturity. The impact of EU/UK climate policy will remain marginal until 2028 but is set to kick in afterwards.

  • As a result, when compared to pre-pandemic (2019) levels, passenger volume is set to stand at +3.9% in 2025 and +7.9% in 2026.

Traffic still below pre-COVID projections

  • Despite reaching 2019 levels in 2024, traffic remains well below original pre-pandemic forecasts.

  • Airports continue to face financial strain as long-term investments were based on higher expected volumes.

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    Year on Year Growth
    Forecast 2

     

    Relative to 2019 level 

    Forecast 1

     

    For more information, download the fleshed-out forecasting available below:

     

    Airport traffic

     
    ACI EUROPE publishes a monthly Airport Traffic Report, compiling data provided from more than 450 airport members of ACI EUROPE, representing over 95% of European airport traffic. The Traffic Reports are available in the Members' Room (a password-protected space for members, ACI EUROPE members can contact us to gain access) and to accredited press. 
     
    You can find more world airport traffic data here.
     
     
     
    Latest Traffic Report
     
     month tile1
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    Airport Investment

    Airport Capacity

    Market Dynamics

    1. Test Industry Data
    2. Air connectivity

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