Finavia airports witness 19% surge in passenger traffic in 2023, yet to reach pre-pandemic levels

By admin On Jan 16, 2024

Photo: Finavia Corp

In a positive sign of recovery for Finland’s aviation sector, Finavia’s airports saw a significant 19% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in 2023, with a total of 18.3 million passengers. However, these numbers still lag behind the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Helsinki Airport, as the country’s primary international gateway, played a major role in this growth.

It handled 15.3 million passengers, accounting for a similar 19% increase. Notably, the winter season in Lapland contributed to this surge, setting new records for tourist arrivals.

Petri Vuori, Finavia’s Senior Vice President responsible for route development, underscored the concerted efforts to enhance Finland’s connectivity. “Our focus has been on strengthening flight connections in collaboration with airlines and tourism organizations. In 2023, we offered around 130 direct routes globally, with significant passenger growth on European, North American, and Asian flights.”

The year 2023 marked a robust recovery in international travel, with 80% of passengers on international flights and the remaining 20% on domestic routes. The top destinations from Finavia’s airports included Stockholm, London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Paris, with Germany, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and Italy being the most popular European countries. Outside Europe, the United States, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and India attracted the most travelers.

Despite the uptick, the shadow of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, such as the war initiated by Russia and the subsequent closure of Russian airspace, continue to affect the aviation industry, particularly impacting transfer travel between Asia and Europe.

Lapland airports, including Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, Kuusamo, and Kemi-Tornio, experienced an 18% rise in passenger traffic, with Rovaniemi Airport alone witnessing a 29% increase. The popularity of these destinations during the November–December 2023 tourist season underscores their appeal to international visitors.

Vuori further highlighted the importance of regular scheduled flights to Lapland’s attractiveness. “These flights are vital not only for local residents and the business community but also for attracting a broader passenger base due to the extensive onward connections they offer.”

Regional airports under Finavia also saw an 18% increase in passenger traffic, further indicating a gradual rebound in Finland’s aviation sector. However, the journey to pre-pandemic passenger levels continues, with the industry closely monitoring and adapting to the evolving travel landscape.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi