Flemish airports saw passengers return in 2022

The Flemish airports of Ostend-Bruges and Antwerp have returned to 80% of their pre-pandemic traffic levels, according to their annual reports released on Tuesday. The regional airports' figures reflect the rebound of European air traffic in general, which returned to 83% of its 2019 levels last year.

369,363 passengers passed through Ostend airport in the past year, an increase of 67% compared to 2021 and 81% of the total number of passengers in 2019. The cargo passing through the airport (51,000 tonnes) was however down compared to 2021, an "exceptional" year with 62,000 tonnes of cargo transported. Private and business aviation grew by 12%. 

239,500 passengers travelled via the airport of Antwerp in 2022, an increase of 63% compared to 2021 and 79% of the total number of passengers in 2019. As in Ostend-Bruges, private and business aviation increased by 30%.

European air traffic in general returned to 83% of its 2019 levels last year, a "solid" rebound pushed mostly by low-cost carriers and holiday destinations in southern Europe, says air traffic monitoring group Eurocontrol.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Airport Ostend-Bruges, Belgium © BELGA PHOTO ROBBE VANDEGEHUCHTE}