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The role of aviation in society

Air travel enables people to meet - even when there are long distances between them. It links cultures, economies and creates relationships between people from different parts of the world.

Child looking out through aircraft window

Creating connectivity and growth

Good air connectivity is a prerequisite for Swedish export companies, for attracting foreign business investment to Sweden, for the tourism and conference industry, which bring major international meetings and congresses to the country, and for research exchange within academia. Direct routes increase international connectivity to and from Sweden, which is vital for Swedish businesses and global exporters, who enjoy access to more freight options.

Aviation also plays an important role in creating conditions for investment, business start-ups and business activity in regions outside the urban population centres. In this way, aviation also contributes to growth, competitiveness and prosperity in all parts of the country.

Swedish international air travel is much more multifaceted than the “trip to Thailand” often pointed out as an example.
Three people meet at Arlanda Airport
Aviation links up Sweden

Along with the more than 22% of international passengers at Swedavia’s airports who fly for business purposes, 26% travel to meet relatives and friends. Aviation also links up Sweden and makes it possible to travel throughout the country within a reasonable amount of time.

Arlanda travel
Flights that benefit Sweden’s hospitality industry

About 42% of all international flights at our airports were flown by people who live outside Sweden. This type of passenger is really important since they contribute to the ever larger and increasingly important hospitality industry.

Mother and son are looking excitedly through the terminal window
Brings the world closer

According to Statistics Sweden, a full 34% of Sweden’s population has roots abroad – 20% were born abroad and another 14% have one or both parents born abroad. With the help of aviation, these people can visit their countries of origin more easily and have physical contact with loved ones. Â