European airport traffic growth reports alarming decline in 2012

ACI EUROPE reported (04-Feb-2013) overall passenger traffic at European airports increased by 1.8% year-on-year in 2012, with a clear divide between the EU market and other European countries. Passenger traffic at EU airports has been in recession since Oct-2012 and barely grew on yearly basis (+0.2%) while non-EU airports posted a strong performance for the year (+8.8%), led by Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Iceland and Moldova. Freight traffic at European airports for the full year decreased by 2.8% and the overall figure for movements also decreased by 2.1%. Commenting on the results, ACI EUROPE director general Olivier Jankovec said "more than ever, Europe is a two-speed aviation market. Since 2008, passenger traffic has grown by less than +2.5% at EU airports and by more than +38% at non-EU ones. For now, EU airports are stuck in recession for both passenger and freight traffic." Looking ahead, Mr Jankovec said: "The outlook for 2013 remains grim for EU airports - and still very dynamic for most other ones. Based on the prevailing trading conditions, our best estimate is for nearly flat growth (+0.5%) in passenger traffic at Europe's airports for the year ahead," adding "in all probability, things are going to get worse before they get better." [more - original PR]