These Were the Top Airports for Business Aviation in Europe in 2022, EBAA 2022 Yearbook
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) 2022 yearbook shows 12.9% growth in the sector compared to 2021.
With 1,496 airports serving business aviation traffic and 81,159 unique airport pairs, those who prefer to fly private significantly contribute to economic growth across Europe, benefitting communities large and small. Last year, Europe’s business aviation sector generated €9,9 billion in economic output and supported 449,000 jobs.
The Top Five Business Aviation Airports in Europe
Five European airports stand out for traffic and steady growth over the last three years.
Paris Le Bourget had 60,634 aircraft movements in 2022, significantly higher than the 48,591 in 2021 and more than double the number of aircraft movements in 2020 (31,081), reflecting a healthy recovery from the COVID shutdown.
Nice Côte d’Azur was Europe’s second-busiest business aviation airport, with 39,648 aircraft movements last year. This traffic reflects moderate growth compared to 36,268 in 2021 and a solid recovery from the 2020 low of 23,223.
Geneva International had 36,484 aircraft movements in 2022, significantly higher than the 31,971 movements in 2021 and the lows of 23,261 in 2020.
Farnborough airport experienced significant growth in 2022, with 31,301 aircraft movements compared to 24,741 in 2021 and 18,849 in 2020.
London Luton airport traffic dramatically increased in 2022, reaching 28,909 aircraft movements compared to 18,576 in 2021 and 15,484 in 2020.
The Top 10 Airport Pairs in 2022
Based on flights both ways, the top ten airport pairs in 2022 reveal the most active routes taken by business aircraft in Europe.
Paris Le Bourget ⇔ Geneva International — 3,632 flights (+12% compared to 2019).
Paris Le Bourget ⇔ Nice Côte d’Azur — 2,800 flights (+8% compared to 2019).
Nice Côte d’Azur ⇔ Farnborough — 1,848 flights (+38% compared to 2019).
Nice Côte d’Azur ⇔ Geneva International — 1,783 flights (+6% compared to 2019).
Roma Ciampino ⇔ Milano Linate — 1,702 flights (-7% compared to 2019).
Farnborough ⇔ Paris Le Bourget — 1,648 flights (+22% compared to 2019).
London Luton ⇔ Paris Le Bourget — 1,533 flights (+57% compared to 2019).
London Luton ⇔ Nice Côte d’Azur — 1,392 flights (+39% compared to 2019).
Istanbul Atatürk ⇔ Ankara Esenboğa — 1,343 flights (+3% compared to 2019).
Farnborough ⇔ Geneva International — 1,326 flights (+34% compared to 2019).
Overall, the growth over pre-pandemic levels in 2019 experienced by Europe’s business aviation airports shows that private flights have become more attractive to flyers who seek more convenient connections to their business and leisure destinations.