Assaeroporti: a record-breaking summer with 98.8 million passengers. Passenger numbers up by 6.3 per cent

These results are particularly significant in light of an international context characterised by geopolitical tensions and changes in the geography of air links. Restrictions on certain routes to key markets in the Middle East have affected routes between Europe and Asia, prompting airlines and operators to consider alternative routes and different stopovers.

This situation has not prevented Italian airports from capitalising on the growth in demand, but it continues to be a source of uncertainty for flight scheduling and carriers’ strategies.

In the run-up to summer, concerns had also emerged regarding the availability of aviation fuel. Fears of a widespread shortage were allayed thanks to the diversification of supplies and the expansion of domestic production. However, the issue of prices remains: the high cost of jet fuel continues to weigh on airlines’ accounts and may influence decisions regarding flight frequencies, capacity and the economic viability of routes.

Summer growth has bolstered the cumulative figures for 2026. From January to September, total passenger traffic at Italian airports reached 187.1 million, an increase of 5.5 per cent compared with the first nine months of 2025.

Based on the trends observed, Assaeroporti estimates that the national system could end the year with passenger numbers exceeding 240 million. If confirmed, this forecast would signal a further increase in passenger volumes at Italian airports and would reaffirm the central role of air transport for tourism and the country’s connectivity.

However, the final outcome will also depend on developments in the international landscape, the commercial strategies of airlines and trends in operating costs. Geopolitical tensions may, in fact, affect demand on specific routes, whilst the price of fuel remains one of the key factors in determining supply.

“The outlook for the coming months could be influenced by developments in the geopolitical landscape and the decisions made by airlines regarding routes and frequencies, not least in response to fuel costs,” said Valentina Menin, Director-General of Assaeroporti, in a statement. - ‘However, the summer results confirm the value of an airport network capable of capturing passenger flows and opportunities even when the geography of connections changes. Continuing to invest in the capacity and efficiency of airports means strengthening the competitiveness of the airport system and, with it, that of the country, supporting the development of the economy, tourism and businesses,” added Menin.

The challenge for the sector will therefore be to translate this growth in volumes into a structural strengthening of the airport network. Increased capacity, efficient infrastructure and the ability to adapt rapidly to changes in international passenger flows will be crucial to consolidating the results achieved and sustaining Italia’s competitiveness in the tourism and commercial markets.