In a year marked by challenges, airports worldwide have showcased resilience, reflecting the recovery of air travel post-pandemic. Recently released data by OAG, compiled from January to December 2023, sheds light on trends and movements in major airports and global routes.
It’s remarkable to witness the substantial number of individuals passing through the world’s busiest airports annually, especially considering the relatively small proportion of people who fly regularly – averaging only 1.5 to 2 flights per year, depending on the data used. For passengers, understanding the busiest airports, high-traffic routes, and which airlines and airports consistently offer punctuality with minimal delays is crucial.
The results indicate that while air travel has not fully returned to 2019 levels across all regions, there has been a notable recovery. In the third quarter, the U.S. domestic market exceeded 2019 levels by 20%, signaling a significant revitalization.
Additionally, the outstanding performance of certain airports in terms of punctuality deserves attention. Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport claimed the top spot in both the large airport category and globally. Osaka, Japan, secured first place in the medium-sized airport category, while Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito, Ecuador, led as the most punctual small airport. These results highlight the relentless pursuit of operational excellence on different scales, contributing to reliability and efficiency in the aviation sector.
OAG and Cirium, in publishing their data and analyses on the busiest airports and punctuality performance in 2023, provide valuable insights for travelers, showcasing improvements and challenges faced by the aviation industry. This overview reflects not only the sector’s resilience but also the ongoing evolution of passenger preferences and demands in a post-pandemic landscape.
photomontage: by Jakson Santos