Brussels Airport anticipates a record-breaking holiday season with over one million passengers expected between December 20, 2024, and January 5, 2025. This surpasses the pre-pandemic high of 988,000 in 2019. The airport has transformed into a festive wonderland with Christmas decorations and events, offering travelers a magical travel experience with diverse destination options.
Prague Airport has witnessed a remarkable surge in passenger numbers, reaching a record high for the summer 2024 season, indicating a strong recovery in the Czech Republic’s tourism industry. The airport is poised to surpass pre-pandemic levels, fueled by a significant increase in international arrivals, particularly from China, and a strategic focus on expanding direct flight connections to key markets.
China’s major airlines experienced a remarkable surge in passenger numbers and operational efficiency during August 2024, fueled by a rebound in domestic and international travel. This summer’s performance showcases the industry’s strong recovery from the pandemic and its potential for continued growth.
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has experienced a remarkable surge in passenger numbers, driven by a robust summer travel season and strategic initiatives. The airline is poised for continued growth with plans to expand its fleet, enhance services, and capture a larger share of the global travel market.
Vietjet has announced impressive H1 2024 results, boasting a 688% surge in profit, over 13 million passengers transported, and record-breaking international flights, reaffirming its position as a leading player in the aviation industry.
Viking Line enjoyed a successful summer season, exceeding 1.8 million passengers, driven by high demand on the Tallinn route and the allure of Baltic destinations. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary of service between Helsinki and Stockholm, while also seeing a surge in international tourists, particularly from China, Germany, Poland, South Korea, and the United States.
Morocco has achieved a new milestone in tourism, welcoming a record-breaking 18.1 million passengers in 2024, highlighting its growing appeal as a travel destination. This surge is attributed to investments in infrastructure, diverse attractions, and strategic partnerships with international carriers. Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and diverse landscapes continue to attract visitors from around the world.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) experienced a surge in passenger numbers during the first half of 2024, with a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2023. June 2024 saw a particularly significant rise, with passenger numbers exceeding 2.34 million, marking an 11.6% increase from the previous year. Despite the growth, passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Munich Airport has experienced a significant surge in passenger numbers during the first half of 2024, with over 19 million travelers recorded, a 14.8% increase from the previous year. The airport has almost reached its peak passenger volume from 2019, with an impressive 80% average aircraft load factor. This growth is particularly evident in intercontinental traffic, driven by increased travel to North America and the Far East.
Heathrow Airport is accelerating its review of plans for a third runway after witnessing a faster-than-anticipated rebound in passenger numbers following the pandemic. The airport’s chief financial officer, Javier Echave, stated that they aim to make a decision on restarting the project, which was shelved during the COVID-19 pandemic, as swiftly as possible due to the growing influx of passengers. Despite emphasizing the significance and complexity of the issue, Echave declined to specify a timeline for the decision.
Heathrow recently increased its passenger forecast for 2024 to 82.4 million, surpassing the previous record of 80.9 million set in 2019. However, local MP Greg Hands expressed concerns about the potential impact on his constituents and pledged to oppose any plans for a third runway. Environmental groups, such as HACAN, criticized the lack of details surrounding the proposal, citing concerns about noise and air pollution for local communities.
Despite the strike threat from 800 workers over outsourcing of jobs, Heathrow remains confident in its operational plans to ensure smooth airport operations during the strike period. The airport has witnessed a record-breaking quarter, with passenger numbers increasing by 9.5% and full-year growth expectations rising.
