Since the beginning of the financial crisis, the Spanish airports lost 16.3 million passengers. According to the data published by Aena, 2012 ended with 194.2 million passengers. This means a decrease by 7.7% in comparison with 2007, when 210.5 million passengers used the Spanish facilities.
In 2008 and 2009 the number of passengers decreased by 2.4% and 9.4% respectively. However, in 2010 and 2011 the figures increased by 2.8% and 6% respectively. This let the Spanish airports have over 204 million travellers. But in 2012 the downward trend appeared again and the airports lost passengers by 5% with regards to the previous year. Also, 2013 has started with strong decreases by 9.1% in January and 10.2% in February. According to the information provided by the General Manager of Air Navigation, Ignacio González, the overall loss in 2013 might be around 6%.
In terms of flights, the reduction has been even stronger. According to Aena, in the last five years, the number of operations has decreased by 23% (nearly 600,000 flights less). The number of flights has decreased every year but in 2011, when the number increased by 1%.
When it comes to Madrid, the operations have decreased by 22.8% in five years (110,000 flights less). Barcelona has ended 2012 with 290,004 flights, which mean a decrease by 17.6% against 2007.
Source: NEXOTUR.com
