New Q2 Passenger Surge at Bilbao Airport - Up 18% on Last Year and 4% Pre-Pandemic

Q2 Passenger Surge at Bilbao Airport - Up 18% on Last Year and 4% Pre-Pandemic numbers are still making new post-pandemic highs in Q2 and look to continue after a previous high for Q2 of 2021, and they are on track to set new passenger numbers again in 2023.

Bilbao Airport, located in Bilbao, Spain, serves as the main airport for the Basque Country region. It is managed by Aena, a Spanish public body responsible for airport management and air navigation services. The airport is 9 kilometers north of the city center. It is a major hub for domestic and international flights, providing connectivity to destinations across Europe and beyond. With its modern facilities and infrastructure, Bilbao Airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic over the years.

Comparing Quarter 2 (Q2) Passenger Statistics in 2023 with the Previous Four Years

• Q2 2019: 1,639,533
• Q2 2020: 14,098; change from the same quarter of the previous year: -99.14%
• Q2 2021: 388,644; change from the same quarter of the previous year: 2656.73%
• Q2 2022: 1,441,626; change from the same quarter of the previous year: 270.94%
• Q2 2023: 1,706,727; change from the same quarter of the previous year: 18.39%

The difference between Q2 (2019) and Q2 (2023) is 4.10%.

There is a positive upward trend in passenger statistics at Bilbao Airport, with steady growth in recent years after the challenges faced in 2020. In Quarter 2 of 2023, Bilbao Airport recorded 1,706,727 passengers, representing an 18.39% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. This marks Q2 2023 as the highest quarter of all time regarding passenger numbers. When comparing Q2 2023 to Q2 2019, which had 1,639,533 passengers, there is a 4.10% increase in ridership.

Looking at the passenger statistics from the previous four years, there have been notable fluctuations. In Q2 2020, there was a significant drop in passenger numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 14,098 passengers recorded. This represents a drastic decrease of 99.14% compared to Q2 2019. However, the following year, in Q2 2021, there was a remarkable recovery with 388,644 passengers, indicating a substantial increase of 2656.73% compared to the previous year. This positive trend continued in Q2 2022, recording 1,441,626 passengers and a change of 270.94% compared to Q2 2021.

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Passenger Trends for 2022 and the Past 4 Years

• 2018: 5,455,976
• 2019: 5,860,207; change from the previous year: 7.41%
• 2020: 1,672,806; change from the previous year: -71.45%
• 2021: 2,578,255; change from the previous year: 54.13%
• 2022: 5,129,583; change from the previous year: 98.96%

The passenger trends at Bilbao Airport for the past four years show a clear growth pattern. In 2018, the airport served 5,455,976 passengers. The following year, there was a modest increase of 7.41%, with 5,860,207 passengers recorded. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted travel, resulting in a significant decline of 71.45% in passenger numbers, with only 1,672,806 passengers.

In 2021, there was a notable recovery as travel restrictions eased, with a 54.13% increase compared to the previous year, totaling 2,578,255 passengers. The positive trend continued in 2022, with a substantial growth rate of 98.96%, reaching 5,129,583 passengers. This indicates a strong recovery in passenger traffic at Bilbao Airport, demonstrating a significant rebound after the challenges faced during the pandemic.

Analysis of Flight Statistics and Trends for July 2023

During July 2023, Bilbao Airport witnessed a diverse range of passenger traffic, with a notable preference for domestic and international travel. The top country destinations from Bilbao Airport were Spain, Germany, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Among these, Spain emerged as the most favored country destination, highlighting domestic travel's popularity among locals and tourists.

Regarding international travel, the top destinations from Bilbao Airport included Amsterdam, London, Paris, Munich, and Lisbon. These cosmopolitan cities drew many passengers, indicating a significant demand for cultural exploration, business, and leisure travel.

Regarding domestic travel within Spain, the most sought-after destinations from Bilbao Airport were Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Sevilla, and Menorca. These cities, known for their rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and economic significance, attracted many passengers, further emphasizing the connection between Bilbao and major Spanish cities.

Regarding airlines, Vueling, Volotea, Lufthansa, Air Europa, and Iberia emerged as the top choices for travelers using Bilbao Airport. These reputable airlines provide passengers with a wide range of options in terms of routes, schedules, and services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Analyzing Passenger Trends: Quarter-to-Quarter Comparison

These statistics highlight the positive growth and recovery at Bilbao Airport. The highest quarter of all time in Q2 2023, along with the quarter-to-quarter improvements, demonstrate a strong rebound in passenger traffic after the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analyzing the passenger statistics data for Bilbao Airport in Bilbao, Spain, through a quarter-to-quarter comparison, Q2 2023 stands out as a significant period. With 1,706,727 passengers, Q2 2023 is the highest quarter in passenger numbers. This represents a 4.10% increase compared to Q2 2019, the highest quarter with 1,639,533 passengers.

Regarding matching quarters, Q2 2023 surpasses Q2 2019, with both recording the same passenger count of 1,706,727. This indicates that Q2 2023 has reached the highest quarterly record and matched the previous highest quarter.

On the other hand, when comparing Q2 2023 with the lowest previous quarter, Q2 2020, there is a substantial difference. Q2 2020 recorded a significantly lower number of passengers, with only 14,098, resulting in a staggering 12,006.16% increase in passenger numbers for Q2 2023.

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