VINCI Airports Celebrates Record-Breaking Traffic in 2024
In 2024, VINCI Airports achieved a remarkable milestone by exceeding pre-pandemic passenger levels, solidifying its position as the world’s leading private airport operator.
Over 318 million passengers travelled through its network, marking an impressive 3.7% growth compared to 2019 and a significant 8.5% increase from 2023. With its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports continues to redefine operational performance and environmental sustainability across more than 70 airports in 14 countries.
Exceptional Fourth-Quarter Performance
The fourth quarter of 2024 saw traffic grow by 7.6% compared to 2023 and 7.9% compared to 2019. This period highlighted strong demand, with record-breaking numbers at airports like Lisbon, Santiago, Edinburgh, and Belgrade. Notably, Lisbon welcomed 35 million passengers, while Santiago in Chile recorded 26 million travellers. Edinburgh and Belgrade airports also set new benchmarks, handling 15 million and 8 million passengers, respectively.
The surge in traffic was driven by:
- High load factors on intra-European routes.
- Increased long-haul capacity from airlines such as LATAM, United Airlines, and Ryanair.
- Expanding seat supply from carriers including easyJet and Wizz Air.
Asia’s Accelerating Momentum
Asia emerged as a standout region, with a strong rebound in air travel post-pandemic. Kansai airports in Japan surpassed their historical records for the first time since COVID-19, driven by growing demand on Southeast Asian routes. Cambodia also witnessed rapid recovery, supported by international traffic from Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, and Qatar.
This robust recovery underscores VINCI Airports’ ability to adapt and thrive in diverse markets. “The return to pre-COVID levels in Asia signals not just recovery but a promising growth trajectory for our network in the region,” noted a VINCI spokesperson.
European Airports Shine Bright
In Europe, VINCI’s airports continued to demonstrate exceptional performance:
- Portugal: Lisbon and other airports recorded unprecedented numbers, aided by intra-European travel and long-haul connections to Brazil and the United States.
- United Kingdom: Edinburgh’s rapid growth was fuelled by easyJet and Ryanair, while London Gatwick benefited from long-haul services, including routes to China and India.
- Hungary: Budapest airport experienced a traffic boom, with Chinese passenger numbers nearly tripling and robust growth in European markets like Italy, Spain, and Germany.
- France: Lyon airport saw remarkable results from low-cost carriers like easyJet and Volotea, particularly on Mediterranean routes.
Latin America’s Expanding Horizons
Traffic across Latin American airports showcased notable increases. In Mexico, OMA airports recorded higher passenger volumes due to expanded offerings by Viva Aerobus and Volaris. Chile’s Santiago Airport experienced exceptional domestic and international growth, fuelled by LATAM, Sky Airline, and Jetsmart.
The region’s steady growth aligns with VINCI’s broader strategy of enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
VINCI Airports remains committed to sustainability, aiming for net-zero emissions across its network by 2050. This ambition, established in 2016, reflects its proactive approach to environmental stewardship. Initiatives include modernising infrastructure, integrating renewable energy, and optimising operational performance.
Key sustainability efforts include:
- Investing in energy-efficient technologies.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to reduce carbon footprints.
- Pioneering green solutions, such as electrified ground operations.
VINCI’s environmental strategy complements its ability to attract passengers and airlines by offering state-of-the-art facilities and seamless connectivity.
Driving the Future of Air Travel
With over 70 airports under its management, VINCI Airports’ growth trajectory underscores its expertise in balancing operational excellence with environmental responsibility. By fostering partnerships and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, VINCI ensures a passenger-centric experience while championing sustainability.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and evolve, VINCI Airports is poised to lead the charge—transforming air travel into a model of efficiency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
