In 2022, Munich Airport experienced substantial growth across all traffic figures due to a busy summer season. The number of passengers increased by 19 million compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 31.6 million. This has allowed the airport to regain two-thirds of its pre-pandemic record from 2019. The number of aircraft movements also nearly doubled from 2021, with over 285,000 take-offs and landings. The seat load factor of the aircraft in Munich equaled the record figure of 77.5% from 2018. The airport now offers excellent connectivity to the global route network, with 210 destinations in 63 countries.
Quick facts: Passenger traffic at Bavaria’s hub, Munich Airport, saw a two-and-a-half-fold increase, reaching 31.6 million passengers, a 19 million passenger increase from 2021. The number of aircraft movements also nearly doubled from the previous year. Additionally, air freight volume saw a 55% increase, totaling 259,000 metric tons.
According to Jost Lammers, the CEO of Munich Airport, the gradual lifting of travel restrictions has led to an increased desire to travel among people, leading to airlines expanding their flight capacity. He also predicts that this trend will continue in 2023, as bookings received by airlines indicate that traffic growth at Munich Airport will persist in the coming year.
The demand for flights at Munich Airport increased greatly during the year despite a weak first quarter, which was still impacted by the pandemic. While only 4 million passengers were counted at the airport over the first three months, the busiest third quarter saw traffic of more than 10 million travelers.
The pent-up demand was particularly noticeable in long-haul travel, with traffic between Munich and destinations in the US surpassing the levels from 2019 since July and in winter schedule 2022/2023 it also applies to destinations in India, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. Additionally, the increase in passenger traffic has also positively impacted air freight at Munich Airport, with freight volume increasing by 55% to a total of around 259,000 metric tonnes in 2022.
