Leading travel data analyst ForwardKeys has published the top 50 busiest airports for outbound international passenger traffic. Compared to pre-pandemic times in 2019, the report notes significant movement at airports across Europe and Middle East & North Africa (MENA).
ForwardKeys has released The Busiest Airports of the World report in time for the ongoing TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. It can be downloaded here, while physical copies are available at the Cannes event.
In Europe, Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International and Antalya airports have seen significant ranking improvements driven by the enduring popularity of ‘sun and beach’ destinations in Turkey and the growth of Istanbul Airport as a global hub.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport has entered the top 50 airports for international departures for the first time, replacing the now-closed Schönefeld and Tegel airports in the city.
Paris Orly Airport climbed 13 places compared to pre-pandemic, partly due to additional capacity added by the inauguration of its Terminal 3 in April 2019.
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport has also entered the top 50, with its international outbound seat capacity boosted by the opening of EasyJet’s seasonal base at the airport in 2021 and new connections to the US and Middle East.
In MENA, Cairo International and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International airports have shown significant ranking gains of 26 and 16 places respectively. This emphasises the growing importance of the region for business travel and long-haul transit, along with the continued promotion of tourism by the Gulf Cooperation Council states looking to diversify their economies.
ForwardKeys Vice President of Brands, Retail and Media Marina Giuliano said: “These figures only demonstrate that what we are seeing in some destinations is not travel recovery but a shift in the way people travel. There are plenty of emerging new business opportunities for retailers and brands to consider in Europe and the Middle East.
“Asia Pacific reactivation is taking longer with noticeable changes in traveller preferences and traveller profiles, which is greatly impacting top global airports – even more reason to rely on data for your business intelligence and expansion plans.” ✈
