Ostend-Bruges Airport Welcomes Over 100,000 Passengers During Second Quarter of 2022

In the second quarter, 103,377 passengers travelled via Ostend-Bruges International Airport, an increase of 271% compared to the second quarter of 2021 and 80% of the passenger volume in 2019 (before the covid crisis). In terms of cargo, there is a decrease in total volumes this quarter compared to last year (-22%), but an increase of 78% compared to 2019.

Ostend-Bruges Airport records strong passenger figures in the second quarter of 2022. In April, May and June, 103,377 passengers travelled via Oostende. "That is an increase of 271% compared to the same period last year. When we look at 2019, we again reach 80% of the passenger numbers before corona. This is mainly due to the changed offer: some destinations in Tunisia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Egypt are not operated this year," says CEO Eric Dumas.

Since the start of this year, passenger numbers have been increasing month after month. "Travellers clearly feel like travelling again. In July and August, we expect more than 40,000 passengers every month", says Dumas. In total, the airport welcomed 156,493 passengers during the first half of the year. That is 380% more than in 2021 and 18.7% less than in the record year of 2019.

Cargo

For the first time since 2020, cargo traffic via Ostend-Bruges Airport decreased this quarter. The traded volume dropped by 21.8% compared to the same period last year. However, the traded volume is still 78% above the 2019 level. "Our airport experienced strong growth. Since 2019, the cargo segment grew by 150%. This slight decline was to be expected. In addition, the second quarter is always a quiet period in terms of cargo activities," says Dumas.

In the first six months of this year, 22,840 tonnes were traded, just 1.5% less than in the first half of 2021. EgyptAir and Qatar Airways remain the airport's largest cargo customers.