Like many airports in Europe, Vienna to regain most of its passenger traffic by 2022. Austria's main airport, which is also a major hub between Western Europe on the one hand and Central Europe, the Balkans and Asia on the other, saw its passenger numbers more than double last year.
With growth of 127.3%, Vienna welcomed 23.68 million passengers in 2022. This represents around 75% of 2019 traffic. Net profit for the group (which includes the airports at Vienna, Malta and Kosice in Slovakia) reached 128.1 million euros, after 6.6 million in 2021.
The outlook for growth remains good for 2023, although the airport is not yet expected to return to its 2019 level. Airport management is therefore forecasting 26 to 27 million passengers, i.e. 82% to 85% of 2019 traffic volume. (31.7 million passengers). Similarly, the number of destinations will not yet match the pre-Covid figures. Vienna should be linked to 190 destinations this summer. There were 217 in 2019. In the airport's defence, there is the total disappearance of air routes to Russia and Ukraine - at least a dozen...
Return of intercontinental routes
However, 2023 will be marked by the rise of the intercontinental connections. Air India has just announced a new Vienna-Delhi route. The airport will also see an increase in frequencies to Africa, Asia and Canada during the summer season. Depending on the airport, the number of seats offered will correspond to 90 % of pre-covid level during the summer months.
Optimistic forecasts for air traffic growth in Vienna are boosting investment in the airport, which had been put on hold by the Covid crisis. The Terminal 3 South expansion project will resume. The extension of Terminal 3 will provide around 70,000 m² of additional space for passengers. Including 30,000 m² of shops and restaurants. Work will start in the middle of the year, with commissioning scheduled for 2027..
More restaurants and a new hotel
In the meantime, the airport opens several new catering outlets in april. The DO & CO catering company is opening a food court in zone C, while the Figlmüller brand is launching a new panoramic bar. Three food courts will also be inaugurated in the arrivals area.
In the autumn, work will also begin on theVienna House Easy by Wyndham hotel. The establishment will be the largest hotel on the platform with 510 rooms in a mid-range lifestyle segment offering good value for money. The hotel is due to open in spring 2025. Once completed, Vienna airport will offer hotel capacity in excess of 1,400 rooms.
