November 7, 2023 Nearly half of Europe’s airport have now recovered 2019 traffic volumes The skies above Europe are once again buzzing with life, as nearly half of the continent’s airports are reporting their first recovery of 2019 traffic volumes. After months of struggle against the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, many airports are finally emerging from the economic gloom and returning to the familiar rhythms of passengers, planes, and staff. For travelers, it’s a welcome reprieve and a reminder of the efficient transportation networks and busy hubs they left behind nearly a year ago. 1. Airports Across Europe Defy 2020 Pandemic Predictions Even as the travel and tourism industry shuddered amidst the pandemic, some airports in Europe have defied predictions and remain surprisingly buoyant. The stories of three airports in Hungary, Latvia and Ireland demonstrated how some are managing along better than expected despite the challenging circumstances. Budapest Airport (Hungary): Despite restrictions on air travel, Hungary’s airport saw record-high flight numbers throughout 2020, largely due to package holidays to sunny destinations. During the summer, it even registered more takeoffs and landings than during the same period in 2019. Riga International Airport (Latvia): Following a major restructure and a focus on cargo, the Latvian airport saw a slight increase in cargo movement overall. In addition, its new passenger terminal attracted a number of new carriers, making it an attractive option for travelers. Cork Airport (Ireland): Despite the absence of international connections, the airport remained surprisingly steady due to international cargo flights and travel within Ireland. Additionally, the Irish government supported passenger arrivals with quarantine exemptions for a number of countries. It goes to show that even in the midst of a pandemic, some airports across Europe have beaten the odds and emerged relatively unscathed, or, in some cases, even better off than before. 2. Post-Pandemic Resurgence of Airport Activity in Europe COVID-19 dealt a serious blow to airlines across Europe. Despite its negative impact, the pandemic has also sparked a shift in travelers’ expectation, as well as greater awareness about health and hygiene. Now, with the vaccines in place, airports in Europe are seeing some indication of a post-pandemic resurgence in activity. Airlines have put in place a variety of new steps to ensure travelers’ safety and adhere to hygiene standards. Recently introduced contact tracing and testing procedures have done much to help travelers feel secure. At the same time, airport protocols have been rethought to create less dense areas – helping to increase air flow, limit the spread of possible virus particles, and reduce crowds. To keep travelers informed of these details, airports provide up-to-date information on their websites, social media and apps. This has inspired a new way of looking at airport operations – as a way to help customers trust that their travels will be safe and comfortable. 3. Navigating a Path Towards Pre-Pandemic Passenger Activity While travel has been significantly impacted during the pandemic, industry professionals are beginning to look towards what the future of transit will look like when the world begins to go back to normal. As we navigate this uncharted terrain, how can the industry put forth a strategy that salvages a pre-pandemic level of travel activity? Here are some points to consider when formulating a plan: Travel Immutability: Unless necessary measures are taken, the high level of mobility achieved pre-pandemic is unlikely to be replicated in the near future. Commuter Behavior: Travelers are likely to be much more hesitant in their willingness to use public or shared transportation due to safety and health concerns. Supportive Legislation: Policies that help offset financial losses and help boost confidence in the transport systems must be put in place. One potential option to get back to pre-pandemic activity could be to focus on emerging technologies like contactless fare payment systems. Such an effort has the potential to make travel simpler, more secure from health concerns, and enable authorities to protect and manage their networks more effectively. In developing such a plan, Governments and transport systems must coordinate and collaborate closely to devise a comprehensive strategy that can increase passenger engagement and safety. 4. Flying Into the Future: Looking Ahead at Airport Recovery Efforts As airports around the world embark on the long road to recovery from the disruption caused by Covid-19, there are many efforts in place to ensure a smooth transition. From the rise of contactless solutions and the introduction of new robots for health screening, airports are utilizing technology to benefit both passengers and staff Contactless Solutions: Through the use of facial recognition and quick touch-free check-in, airports can move towards a more efficient way of managing operations and giving travelers a more seamless journey experience. Robots: From baggage handling to health screening, robots are working alongside humans to minimize physical interaction and ensure social distancing. Health Screening: As countries around the world establish protocols to screen travelers for Covid-19, heat sensing cameras and artificial intelligence and facial recognition systems have become an essential part of airport operations. Drones: Airports are now also using drones to analyze air quality and to help with search and rescue operations, as well as delivering food and goods to passengers. As airports look to the future, they are making an effort to be more efficient and to use advanced technologies to provide travelers with a safe and enjoyable experience. With the help of contactless solutions and robots, airports are taking the necessary steps to get back on track and once again soar to new heights. As Europe’s airports continue to recover, it’s a testament to the resilience of the travel industry and its relentless desire to keep pushing forward. While the pandemic has undeniably been a challenge for aviation, the sector has endured and is now looking to the future with optimism. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading... Related Uncategorized