Not since the financial crisis has Swedish domestic aviation had so few passengers. And it is the small regional airports that are being hit hardest. So far this year, the loss is around 20 percent – double that of state-run airports.
– It's tough now, says Peter Larsson, CEO of the interest organization SRF.
The ongoing climate debate, combined with an aviation tax and increased prices for aviation fuel, seems to have had an effect. New figures from Swedavia, which owns Sweden's ten largest airports, show that domestic traffic has decreased by eight percent so far this year. In addition to Swedavia's airports, there are 34 non-governmental airports, which are largely owned by municipalities and regions. There, the loss is double.
– We have distinct domestic destinations and then the consequences of aviation tax and aviation shame as concepts become noticeable. Swedavia can recover some of its decline in international flights, but we cannot, says Peter Larsson, CEO of the Swedish Regional Airports Association, SRF, which represents Sweden's non-governmental airports.
Airports are running at a loss
All 34 airports, except one of two privately owned, are making a loss. But Peter Larsson does not think that the smaller airports should be seen as doomed.
– We also have a responsibility to the state for socially beneficial activities such as ambulance flights and other things. There are many small flights that are of great importance.
”Have no options”
Lapland Airport in Gällivare, which is owned by the municipality, is one of the airports that has noticed the trend of fewer travelers. The airport was hit hard by Nextjet's bankruptcy last year and was without flights for almost four months. But there is no risk that the airport would be closed, according to Michael Gustafsson, airport manager.
– We have a state traffic obligation, Gällivare must have air traffic in order for the state accessibility goals to be met.
Michael Gustafsson does not think that discussions about flight shame have any bearing in Lapland.
– We need to be able to get to Stockholm, which is the hub, so for us it will be strange to be included in that discussion, since we have no alternatives. But I understand that a discussion is needed where there are alternatives to flying.
Source: svt.se
