During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of businesses and individuals discovered business aviation, leading to growth in this segment. Since the beginning of 2023, the airport observed a stabilization of growth in the business flight segment.
Antwerp Airport had an excellent year, celebrating its centenary, welcoming a new airline, and adding five destinations to its offerings. “These are all evidence of the growing popularity of our airport,” says CEO Eric Dumas.
In total, the airport welcomed 259,764 passengers last year, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2022. This brings the total in 2023 to 85% of the number of passengers who traveled through Antwerp Airport in the pre-COVID year 2019. “We look back with great satisfaction on 2023,” says CEO Eric Dumas. “In September, more than 35,000 passengers traveled through Antwerp Airport for the first time. This milestone is proof of the growing popularity of our airport.” Choosing a regional departure means opting for a comfortable and stress-free departure due to the fast processing times.
“In 2024, we expect to reach the milestone of 300,000 passengers and thus match the level of 2019,” says Eric Dumas. “The new destinations introduced in 2023 will undoubtedly contribute to this.”
Five New Destinations
In early January 2023, the airport welcomed Luxair as a new airline. With the addition of Luxair, travelers can once again benefit from six weekly flights to London City.
Thanks to the introduction of new aircraft by TUI fly, four additional destinations were added to the airport’s offerings in 2023: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Antalya, and Crete-Heraklion.
In late December, SkyAlps also began their second flying season from Antwerp. The Italian airline has been flying to Bolzano in South Tyrol since December 2022 during the winter season. In total, passengers in 2023 could choose from 15 destinations and four airlines (TUI, Luxair, SkyAlps & ASL Fly Executive) from Antwerp.
Innovating with Environmental Focus
In June 2023, the Embraer E195-E2 was officially inaugurated in Antwerp, TUI fly’s new aircraft specifically deployed for Antwerp Airport. With the latest engines on the market, this aircraft represents a significant technological and sustainable advancement, resulting in a 33% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the E190 it replaces. The substantial decrease in noise production is also a significant contribution to the well-being of the airport’s neighbors. “We are very pleased with this investment, primarily due to its positive impact on emissions and noise. Additionally, this investment demonstrates confidence in the future of our airport.”
In 2024, Antwerp Airport aims to focus even more on innovations that will redefine the aviation sector, with a particular emphasis on electric flying. “We want to take a leading role in sustainable aviation technologies, aiming to reduce the aviation industry’s ecological footprint and guide the industry towards a sustainable future. We strive to continue the positive trend and strengthen our role as a significant regional airport,” concludes Eric Dumas.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
