SLOVAK REPUBLIC. The annual number of passengers handled by the five international airports in Slovakia is expected to reach some 1.5 million within the next two or three years, according to estimates of Slovak Airport Authority (SSL) general director Jaroslav Mach.
International airports in Slovakia served less than 700,000 passengers in total in 2003.
The highest increase is expected at the international airports of MR Stefanik in Bratislava and in Kosice, eastern Slovakia. MR Stefanik airport served nearly 490,000 passengers in 2003, a year-on-year increase of +30%. SSL said the annual number of passengers handled by the airport – where duty free is handled by local retailer Helitrade – could reach 700,000 in 2004 and one million in 2006 or 2007.
The international airport in Kosice served some 190,000 passengers in 2003. Passenger traffic is expected to be boosted by the opening of a new terminal, which is now under construction. Kosice Airport plans to raise the passenger handling capacity by +40% to 230,000 in 2004.
Future development of airports in Slovakia is being supported by the planned transformation and privatisation of all international airports in the country.
