Ljubljana Airport reaches 12% of pre-pandemic traffic

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport registered its busiest month this July since March 2020, although recovery remains slow with just 12% of 2019’s pre-pandemic traffic reached. The airport’s performance has been directly linked to harsh and disproportionate travel restrictions implemented in Slovenia during the first half of the year, which were significantly eased during the second half of July with the abandonment of the traffic light travel system. The airport handled 65.474 passengers last month, down 68.4% on July 2019. During the January - July period, the airport welcomed 135.485 travellers through its doors and recorded 8.777 aircraft movements.

As one of the most affected European capital city airports by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Ljubljana will see its recovery continue in August with the number of scheduled flights for the month increasing 17.9% compared to July, while capacity will grow 23.4%. Earlier this month, Iberia inaugurated seasonal flights from Madrid, while British Airways is set to resume operations from London Heathrow on August 30. As was the case throughout the previous thirteen months, Lufthansa continues to be Slovenia’s largest carrier, offering both the most flights and capacity, while Frankfurt is the country’s busiest destination. It is followed by Air Serbia, Air France and LOT Polish Airlines.

Commenting on its existing operations, Ljubljana Airport said, “The aviation sector is still heavily dependent on existing entry restrictions and other measures introduced individually by each country to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This impacts on the recovery in demand for flights. International services to Slovenia are currently operated by thirteen airlines. We expect a few more to come during the remainder of the summer season, with a total of seventeen destinations to be made available”. It added, “The easing of travel restrictions is also being followed by an increase in charter traffic. Among the most popular charter destinations are the Greek islands, Antalya in Turkey, Djerba in Tunisia, Egypt’s Sharm-El-Sheikh and Hurghada, as well as Barcelona, ​​Madeira and Tenerife”.

EX-YU Aviation News

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