Valencia Airport achieved a historic milestone this October, welcoming over one million passengers despite the severe challenges posed by the recent DANA storm.
The month closed with a record-breaking 1,011,445 passengers, marking a 4.5% increase compared to October 2023’s figures.
The growth comes amid the aftermath of the deadly floods that struck Valencia just two weeks prior, putting the city’s infrastructure and residents under immense strain.
The boost in passenger numbers was largely driven by international travelers, who accounted for 750,289 passengers, representing a nearly 6% rise from the same month last year.
Italy led the international market with 152,099 travelers moving between the two destinations, followed by Germany with 90,653 passengers, the Netherlands with 80,244, and France with 78,210.
The surge in international travel has helped offset the relatively modest growth in domestic traffic, which saw only a 0.6% increase, totaling 258,745 passengers.
While October’s figures reflect a positive trend, the impact of the recent DANA storm has left some concerns about future passenger numbers.
Experts in the industry believe that many residents may now have to reallocate their leisure budgets to cover immediate needs arising from the flooding. This shift could potentially influence airport traffic in the coming months as people prioritize recovery over travel.
So far, 2024 has been a record-breaking year for Valencia Airport, with more than 9.3 million passengers passing through its facilities from January to October. This significant increase surpasses the 8.5 million recorded during the same period in 2023, indicating strong growth momentum.
Airport operator Aena had anticipated a year-end figure of around 11 million passengers, potentially exceeding the official limit of 10.5 million outlined in the Airport Regulation Document (DORA). However, whether Valencia Airport can sustain this pace through the year-end remains to be seen, especially in the wake of the DANA storm’s economic repercussions.
As recovery efforts continue, Valencia Airport stands as a testament to resilience, demonstrating the city’s commitment to remaining a key gateway for international travel. Despite facing unprecedented weather challenges, the airport’s record-breaking performance underscores its importance in connecting Valencia with major European destinations, even as local communities work to rebuild.
