For the first time since Europe’s air transport recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, passenger traffic has fallen year-on-year.
The number of flyers across the European airport network dropped by -0.7% in April 2026 compared to the same month last year, according to European airport trade body ACI EUROPE.
The group says that while marginal, the decline “marks a significant milestone”.
Why are fewer people flying in Europe?
ACI EUROPE says April’s performance reflects a combination of factors, including the conflict in the Middle East, the partial shift of the Easter holidays into March this year, and industrial action heavily affecting the German market.
