2024: Record figures for air transport in Spain
Main results of air transport in Spain in 2024
- Supply and demand grow at the same pace: According to AENA, there was a 9.52% increase in passengers and according to ForwardKeys, there was a 9.0% increase in seats offered.
- The increase in supply and demand in the first quarter is notable.
- The international market is the main driver in terms of growth.
- Within the TOP 15 destinations, Alicante and Seville are the ones that have grown the most in capacity and passenger traffic
The Air_transport_passengers_destination_Spain_2024 report reflects the main trends in air transport in Spain in 2024.
The document contains information provided by two relevant sources of air data: AENA, a Spanish public airport management company and ForwardKeys, a data provider on the supply and demand of flights, analysing markets by origin or advance purchases, in addition to other aspects of air transport in Spain in 2024.
This publication presents some of the highlights of the document.
If you would like to see further information, consult Dataestur's dedicated air transport section.
Positive performance of air traffic data
2024 has closed with record figures in different aspects of tourism.
FRONTUR has announced the arrival of 93.7 million tourists (+10.3%), the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility on port traffic indicates 40.8 million passengers travelled on regular lines (+3.8%) and the Spanish National Statistics Institute hotel occupancy survey places the total number of overnight stays at 363 million (+4.9%).
According to AENA the number of passengers travelling in 2024 came to 309.5 million (+9.5% up on 2023), improving throughout the year.
According to ForwardKeys, air capacity in 2024 stood at 178.7 million (+9% up on 2023). This resulted in an estimated occupancy rate of 86.8%.
As for other demand indicators, searches have slowed down since April, while bookings have increased for travel in all months of the year.
Spain compared to other destinations
Spain is one of the main destination countries. According to data provided by ForwardKeys Spain boasted connectivity figures that beat competitors including the United Kingdom or Turkey. Countries that are considered to be competitors by proximity are those territories ordered in descending order by air capacity.
- Spain saw growth of 9.1% in passengers and 9% in seats.
- United Kingdom saw growth of 6% in passengers and 5.9% in seats.
- Turkey saw growth of 8.5% in passengers and 7.6% in seats.
- Germany saw growth of 7% in passengers and 6.4% in seats.
- France saw growth of 2.3% in passengers and 2.6% in seats.
TOP 15 Destinations in Spain
Among the main destinations in Spain, we can see their contribution to searches, reservations, capacity and traffic, together with their variation compared to 2023. Alicante is one of the destinations that has increased its capacity and traffic the most.
TOP15 Countries of origin
The international market represents more than 60% of air traffic to Spain. The main markets remain stable and growing.
For more detailed information on the origin or destination of air passengers, consult the Air_transport_passengers_destination_spain_2024 report, available on the air transport page at Dataestur.