Airport World - Staff Reporter
The European aviation industry is heading for a strong summer, with air traffic now expected to reach 60%-70% of 2019 levels in 2022, according to the latest estimates from S&P Global Ratings.
The estimate is up from previous S&P forecasts of 50%-65%.
According to a new report, airlines are benefitting from significant pent-up demand for short-haul leisure trips.
With travel restrictions relating to the pandemic all but lifted, Lufthansa, Ryanair and easyJet are among those boosting capacity, and most rated airlines and airports will likely record passenger volumes exceeding February’s estimates for 2022.
However, S&P warns that in peak season, the current operational disruptions and significant staff shortages will likely weigh on capacity – causing delays, long security queues, and flight cancellations across Europe.
S&P’s 2022 traffic forecast factors in that these challenges will ease over time once staffing levels match passenger volumes.
