In May, just over 3 million passengers travelled via one of Swedavia's ten airports. This is an increase of 2 percent compared to May last year. Despite an uncertain macroeconomic situation, international traffic increased by 6 percent, driven by increased international travel within Europe.
The already weak domestic travel was further negatively affected by the holidays in May and decreased by 11 percent. Preparations at the airports are in full swing for the summer peak season and the airlines continue their investment in the Swedish market. This summer, a total of 17 new flight routes will open via Stockholm Arlanda Airport and 8 new flight routes via Gothenburg Landvetter Airport.
-Despite the recession and uncertainty factors in our world, people continue to prioritize international travel, especially within Europe. At the same time, the trend for domestic travel remains weak. For example, Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is losing almost a third of its domestic passenger numbers compared to the corresponding month last year. The development for domestic flights is worrying as it could ultimately lead to a permanent deterioration in accessibility. Strong domestic flights are important for people's opportunities to meet throughout the country and to travel further out into the world, both privately and on business, says Jonas Abrahamsson, Swedavia's President and CEO.
Travel in May had a certain Taylor Swift effect as many travelers entered Stockholm via Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
The airlines continue to invest in Sweden and Swedavia's ten airports. This year's summer traffic program includes 25 new routes, of which 17 new routes from Stockholm Arlanda Airport and 8 new routes from Gothenburg Landvetter Airport. In addition, charter initiatives are being added from Malmö Airport, Umeå Airport, Luleå Airport and Åre Östersund Airport.
Top 10 destinations this summer from Swedavia's airports
Helsinki
Copenhagen
Amsterdam
Oslo
London
Frankfurt
Munich
Málaga
Paris
Alicante
New flight routes via Stockholm Arlanda – June
Toronto–Air Canada
Montreal – Air Canada
Billund – Norwegian
Marseille – Transavia FR
Naples – Eurowings
Pristina – SAS
Rhodes – SAS
Heraklion – SAS
During May, just over 3 million passengers travelled via Swedavia's ten airports, which is 2 percent higher compared to May 2023. International travel increased by 6 percent to just over 2.3 million passengers, while domestic travel decreased by 11 percent to nearly 738,000 passengers. Overall travel at Swedavia's airports during the month of May is now 84 percent of pre-pandemic levels, 2019.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport had just over 2.1 million passengers in May, an increase of 5 percent compared to last year's May. International travel increased by 9 percent to just over 1.8 million passengers, while domestic travel decreased by 13 percent to nearly 305,000 passengers. Overall, passenger levels at Stockholm Arlanda in May are just over 83 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport had a total of just over 494,000 travelers during May, which is just over 2 percent more travelers compared to May 2023. International travel increased by 7 percent to just over 442,000 travelers, while domestic travel decreased by 27 percent to just over 52,000 travelers. Traveler levels at Gothenburg Landvetter in May are at 82 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
Other Swedavia airports had a varying development during May. Kiruna Airport, followed by Visby Airport and Luleå Airport, had the best passenger development in May compared to May 2023. Kiruna Airport and then Luleå Airport had the best development in May compared to before the pandemic, 2019. Malmö Airport, followed by Bromma Stockholm Airport, had the weakest development in May compared to May last year.
According to the press release.
May traffic development – number of passengers:
