Swedavia continues to lose traffic. The number of passengers decreased by 87 percent in November compared to the same month last year. Hopes for a return to normal levels rest on a vaccine, says Charlotte Ljunggren, Marketing Director at Swedavia.
The number of passengers travelling through Swedavia's ten airports in November was 386,000, a decrease of 87 percent compared to last year's 3,001,000 passengers. Demand for travel decreased further compared to the previous month, which saw a decrease of 79 percent. The reason is believed to be the increased spread of the infection and the new restrictions.
”"Demand for air travel deteriorated week by week during November, which will be the ninth month in a row with historically weak figures for aviation as a result of the pandemic. An increased spread of infection in combination with new and expanded restrictions contributes to increased uncertainty about market developments and is likely to dampen demand in the near future," says Jonas Abrahamsson, Swedavia's President and CEO.
At Stockholm Arlanda Airport, travel decreased by 87 percent to 242,000 in November compared to last year. At Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, travel decreased by 88 percent to 58,000 travelers during November. Bromma Stockholm Airport was hardest hit.
”"All airports are hard hit, but Bromma is particularly hard hit. We are seeing a 95 percent decline there in November.".
Of the total of 386,000 travelers in November, 227,000 were international travelers, a decrease of 88 percent compared to last year. Domestic travel decreased to a somewhat greater extent compared to previous months, showing a decline of 85 percent. But that part may increase in December.
”"Normally, Christmas and New Year are a travel weekend. Christmas will be affected by the pandemic this year, primarily we as individuals and the industry should help reduce the spread of infection, but it is clear that we will see increased travel during Christmas. That is normal," says Charlotte Ljunggren.
It is uncertain when flights will return to pre-pandemic levels. Charlotte Ljunggren states that it will not happen for a couple of years, but that Swedavia is working on several different future scenarios. How vaccination goes is expected to be decisive for the schedule.
”"The fact that the vaccine is on the way will affect all industries, not least aviation. However, it will take time before everyone gets it. But we know that it will be crucial to getting our industry started again. In the same way that aviation will be important to restarting Sweden and the world's economy again."”
The hope is to get back to how things were before the pandemic.
”"We will have capacity when the restrictions ease. We have slowed down considerably here and now with both notice, layoffs and reviewing our costs. But we will be ready when the pandemic turns around," says Charlotte Ljunggren.
Source: di.se
