Europe's airports hit record passenger numbers—but Germany lags behind
Europe's airports saw steady growth in 2025, with passenger numbers reaching a record 2.6 billion. This marked an increase of 100 million compared to the previous year. However, German airports lagged behind the continent's average, while cargo traffic showed modest gains across the region.
In 2025, European airports handled 4.4% more passengers on average than the year before. Yet Germany's growth remained slower, at just 3.2%. Meanwhile, 41% of Europe's airports still had not returned to their 2019 passenger levels by the end of the year.
Cargo traffic across Europe rose by 3.2%, though performance varied by location. Frankfurt Airport led the sector, processing 1.99 million metric tons of freight—enough to claim the title of Europe's largest cargo hub. Istanbul, another key player, managed 1.97 million metric tons, a slight drop of 0.6% from 2024.
Passenger traffic also shifted in 2025. Istanbul nearly matched London-Heathrow, serving 84.44 million travellers. Looking ahead, ACI Europe predicts a 3.3% rise in passenger numbers for 2026, while German airports anticipate stronger growth of 4.2%.
The data highlights a mixed recovery across Europe's aviation sector. While overall passenger numbers hit a new high, some airports still struggle to regain pre-pandemic levels. Cargo growth remains uneven, with Frankfurt solidifying its position as the continent's top freight hub.
