What's Happening?
Swedavia, the operator of Sweden's airports, is experiencing significant growth following the abolition of the country's aviation tax in July. Elizabeth Axtelius, Director of Aviation Business, noted that 2025 has been a strong year for Swedavia's ten airports, with high demand for air travel and record load factors. The company has welcomed seven new airlines and added 35 new routes, including 24 from Stockholm and nine from Gothenburg. Northern airports like Luleå and Umeå are seeing increased interest, with new routes and expanded charter activities. Long-haul services have also expanded, with new routes to Tokyo, Bangkok, and Phuket, and increased frequencies on intercontinental routes.
Why It's Important?
The abolition of the aviation tax is significant for Sweden's economy, as it enhances connectivity crucial for foreign trade. The increased demand for air travel aligns with pre-pandemic levels, although capacity is still catching up. This growth presents opportunities for airlines to expand their services in Sweden, an underserved market. The changes in the Scandinavian market, including SAS's shift to SkyTeam, are altering regional dynamics, potentially benefiting Swedavia's existing and potential airline customers. The strong demand for travel, despite a weak macroeconomic climate, underscores the importance of connectivity for Sweden's economy.
What's Next?
Swedavia anticipates continued growth in demand for travel within the region, which could turn current challenges into opportunities for airlines. The company is focused on improving connectivity within Europe and to major intercontinental hubs. As the Scandinavian market evolves, Swedavia is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for travel, potentially attracting more airlines and expanding its route offerings.
