For the first time since Europe’s air travel rebound began in April 2021, passenger traffic at European airports fell by 0.7% in April compared to last year, according to Airport Council International Europe (ACI Europe)’s latest report. The decline, though small, underscores growing challenges for travellers, from geopolitical tensions to industrial action and border control chaos.
Passengers across the continent faced a month of upheaval. In Germany, seven days of strikes at major hubs like Munich (-16.4%) and Frankfurt (-11%) left thousands stranded or scrambling for alternatives.
Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East disrupted travel plans for those flying through non-EU markets, where traffic plunged by 7.6%. Israel’s airports saw a staggering 73.4% drop in passenger numbers, while Turkey (Türkiye), Georgia, and Azerbaijan also recorded sharp declines.
Long queues and border delays add to passenger woes
Beyond the headline numbers, the report paints a picture of mounting frustration for travellers. Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI Europe, warned that the Schengen Entry/Exit System is now a major pain point, causing “severe disruptions and hardship for passengers”.
Without urgent reforms, including the ability to suspend the system where operationally necessary, he cautioned that the situation could spiral into an “unsustainable” crisis for airports and airlines alike.
“It is puzzling that at European Union level, nobody seems to care about the massive damage this is inflicting on Europe’s reputation as a welcoming and efficient destination”, Jankovec said. “Passengers are bearing the brunt of these failures, with longer wait times, missed connections, and a travel experience that is increasingly stressful and unreliable.”
Small airports offer rare bright spots, but challenges remain
While medium and small airports, less exposed to long-haul disruptions, saw traffic rise by 2.1% and 5.5% respectively, they continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Small airports, in particular, remain 27.7% below 2019 figures, reflecting ongoing financial struggles and a shift in market dynamics.
For passengers, the disparities mean uneven experiences: while some enjoyed smoother journeys through less congested hubs like Barcelona (+4.1%) or Amsterdam Schiphol (+2.7%), others endured cancellations, delays, and overcrowded terminals.
Freight and aircraft movements also decline
The broader slowdown extended to freight, which fell by 5.3%, and aircraft movements, down 0.8%. With airlines adjusting capacity and external pressures mounting, the report suggests that the passenger experience may face further strain in the months ahead.