Swedavia’s traffic statistics for May 2024: International travel within Europe continues to be prioritised despite the macroeconomic situation, while domestic air travel continues to see weaker growth

During May, more than 3 million passengers flew via one of Swedavia's ten airports. This represents an increase of 2 percent compared to May of last year. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, international traffic increased by 6 percent and was driven by increased international travel within Europe. Domestic travel, which was already weak by comparison, was further impacted negatively by the public 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 routes will open via Stockholm Arlanda Airport and 8 new routes via Göteborg Landvetter Airport.

"Despite the recession and uncertainties in the world around us, people continue to prioritise international travel, especially within Europe. At the same time, the domestic travel trend remains weak. For example, Göteborg Landvetter Airport had almost one third less domestic passengers compared to the same month last year. The trend in domestic air travel is worrying as it may ultimately lead to a permanent deterioration in connectivity. Strong domestic air travel options are important for people's opportunities to meet throughout the country and to travel further out into the world, both privately and for business," says Jonas Abrahamsson, Swedavia's President and CEO.

Travel in May had a notable Taylor Swift effect as many passengers travelled into Stockholm via Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

Airlines continue to invest in Sweden and Swedavia's ten airports. This year's summer traffic program includes 25 new routes, of which 17 are new routes from Stockholm Arlanda Airport and 8 new routes from Göteborg Landvetter Airport. In addition, there are investments in charter flights 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
Malaga
Paris
Alicante

New routes via Stockholm Arlanda – June
Toronto – Air Canada
Montreal – Air Canada
Billund – Norwegian
Marseille – Transavia FR
Naples – Eurowings
Pristina – SAS
Rhodes – SAS
Heraklion – SAS

In May, nearly 3 million passengers flew via Swedavia's ten airports, which is just over a 2 percent increase compared to May 2023. International travel increased 6 percent to over 2.3 million passengers, while domestic travel decreased 11 percent to just under 738,000 passengers. Total passenger traffic at Swedavia's airports in May was 84 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport served just over 2.1 million passengers in May, an increase of 5 percent compared with May of last year. International travel increased by 9 per cent to just over 1.8 million passengers, while domestic travel decreased by 13 per cent to just under 305,000 passengers. Overall, passenger levels at Stockholm Arlanda in May were 83 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Göteborg Landvetter Airport had a total of just over 494,000 passengers in May, which is an increase of just over 2 percent compared to May 2023. International travel increased by 7 percent to 442,000 passengers, while domestic travel decreased 27 percent to just over 52,000 passengers. In May, passenger levels at Göteborg Landvetter were 82 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

The air travel trend at Swedavia’s other airports was mixed in May. Kiruna Airport, followed by Visby Airport and Luleå Airport, had the best passenger trend in May compared with May 2023. In May, Kiruna Airport, followed by Luleå Airport, had the best trend compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019. Malmö Airport, followed by Bromma Stockholm Airport, had the weakest trend in May compared to May of last year.

May traffic trend – number of passengers:

More detailed information about Swedavia’s traffic figures and statistics is available (in Swedish) on Swedavia’s website: Statistics | About Swedavia

Tips for passengers before flying: Get a good start to your journey | Stockholm Arlanda Airport (swedavia.com).

For more information, contact Swedavia’s press service at +46 (0)10-109 01 00 or press@swedavia.se