Italian airports have surpassed pre-pandemic traffic levels and are recovering at a rate better than the European average, according to a study conducted by the Iccsai Transport and Sustainable Mobility Center at the University of Bergamo. The study also estimates that by the end of 2024, the number of passengers passing through national airports could reach nearly 220 million.
If the trends observed in the first eight months of the year continue, Italy is poised to reach a new record by surpassing 200 million air passengers, a milestone achieved only last year. Unlike France and Germany, where the air transport sector has declined in favor of rail travel, Italy's air travel industry is thriving.
Italian airports are set to grow above the European average in 2023, with an increase of 3.3 million passengers compared to 2019, representing a growth of 1.7%. This positions Italy as Europe's third-largest air transport market, with 197.2 million passengers, trailing only behind Spain (281.6 million) and the United Kingdom (274.4 million).
The study analyzed data from European airports and the broader context of European air transport. The growth observed in 2023 and 2024 was primarily driven by Rome Fiumicino Airport. During this period, passenger numbers at the top 25 national airports exceeded the pre-COVID levels in 2019 by 12.9%. However, some airports are still recovering, including Venice (which saw a decline of 0.6%, making it the only one among the top 10 Italian airports) and Ciampino, Treviso, Lamezia Terme, and Genoa.
In contrast, Milan Bergamo, Naples, Bari, and Brindisi experienced the highest growth rates over the last five years. Fiumicino reported a remarkable increase of 38.1% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching over 40 million passengers. Additionally, passenger numbers rose 11.5% in the first eight months of the current year compared to 2019. Furthermore, Milan Linate is poised for a significant relaunch in 2024, driven primarily by the domestic market.