Vienna Airport is set to exceed 30 million passengers for the first time since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected air travel, airport officials said on Tuesday.
In 2019, the year prior to the pandemic, Vienna Airport saw a record 31.7 million passengers. By 2022, passenger numbers had already risen to 23.7 million. Last year, the 30 million milestone was nearly reached, with 29.5 million travellers. In contrast, during 2020, when the pandemic took hold, passenger numbers at Vienna Airport dropped to just 7.8 million. The following year, in 2021, the figure remained low at 10.4 million.
“The Vienna Airport is on the rise again following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said airport board member Julian Jäger. Vienna Finance City Councillor Peter Hanke highlighted the airport’s significance to the economy and tourism in a joint statement. On Tuesday, they welcomed a US passenger from Boston as the 30 millionth traveller to pass through Vienna Airport in 2024.
The milestone is unlikely to be met with enthusiasm from environmental groups, who have continued to protest throughout the year. In the summer, members of the now-defunct activist group Last Generation Austria glued themselves to the airport floor in protest against fossil fuel use.
Looking ahead, airport officials are focusing on the proposed third runway, a controversial project which is still under review. A final decision on the runway is expected in 2026, though the airport is awaiting a ruling from the Administrative Court (VwGH) before proceeding.
