European airport passenger traffic grows in July and August 2026
Passenger numbers across Europe's airports rose in both July and August 2026, though growth differed sharply between national markets, according to airport trade body ACI EUROPE.
Passenger traffic at European airports rose in July and August 2026, up 3.9% and 3.1% year on year, according to ACI EUROPE. That is faster than the 1.3% recorded in the second quarter, when the Middle East war weighed on demand.
Growth was uneven. Airports outside the EU+ market saw traffic rise 6.6% in July and 6% in August. EU+ airports posted smaller gains of 3.4% and 2.5%.
ACI EUROPE said the summer performance came against geopolitical tensions, economic pressure, limited airline supply and higher fares.
August results varied widely by country. Slovakia posted the largest increase inside the EU+ market, up 61% on the same month in 2025. Slovenia followed at 19.3%, with Estonia at 16.4%, Hungary at 13% and Malta at 12.3%.
Other markets shrank. Iceland fell 9.3%, Austria 6%, France 1.7% and Cyprus 1.5%. Norway and Germany both edged lower, by 0.3% and 0.2%.
Among the larger EU+ markets, Italy grew 5.2% and Spain 4.7%. Airports in the UK recorded a 0.9% rise.
Sources
- airportindustry-news.comEuropean Airport Passenger Traffic Continues to Grow