Swedish airports reports passenger growth in first half 2026

Swedavia, the operator of 10 Swedish airports, reported stronger financial and traffic performance during the first half of 2026 as international travel continued to drive demand across Sweden’s airport network.

The operator said higher passenger volumes, increased commercial spending and continued airline expansion contributed to improved earnings despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

During the first six months of the year, Swedavia handled 16.22 million passengers, up 4.4% from 15.54 million in the first half of 2025. International travel remained the main growth engine, with 12.40 million passengers, an increase of 4.5%, while domestic traffic rose 3.9% to 3.82 million passengers.

“Our improved operating income reflects continued demand for air travel despite a turbulent global environment,” said Swedavia President and CEO Mats Johannesson. “Higher commercial revenues together with increased passenger volumes contributed to stronger results during the second quarter.”

Revenue and earnings improve
Second-quarter net revenue increased to SEK 1.943 billion (about US$204 million) from SEK 1.789 billion (US$188 million) a year earlier.

Operating income for the quarter reached US$23.3 million, compared with US$18.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.

For the first quarter, revenue rose to about US$176 million from US$159 million. The seasonal operating loss improved to SEK 101 million (US$10.6 million), compared with a loss of SEK 136 million (US$14.3 million) in the same period last year.

Arlanda continues to dominate
Stockholm Arlanda remained by far Sweden’s busiest airport, handling 11.76 million passengers during the first half, up 3.7% year over year.

Göteborg Landvetter welcomed 2.58 million passengers, an increase of 4.0%, while Malmö Airport handled 438,667 passengers, up 7.1%.

Among the regional airports, Visby Airport recorded the strongest growth, with passenger traffic surging 24.4% to 143,611 passengers.

Tourists-popular Luleå Airport grew 5.1% (556,755 passengers) but the most exceptional growth was recorded at Bromma Stockholm Airport. Sweden capital second airport handled 47,191 passengers, up 527.3%. It is the result of an extreme low traffic recorded during the first half of 2025 following major reductions in scheduled services.

Routes continue to expand
Swedavia said airlines continued to expand their route networks during the first half of the year, adding both international and domestic services across the airport system.

The company noted that improved international connectivity continued to strengthen Sweden’s position as a gateway for both leisure and business travel.

Long-haul services also expanded, including the launch of China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai–Stockholm Arlanda route in June. Egypt Air recently announced to start four weekly services from Arlanda to Cairo in winter.

The airport operator continues to invest in infrastructure, with major development projects centered on Stockholm Arlanda Airport terminals while also modernizing facilities across its regional airport network.

Although geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty continue to pose risks for the aviation sector, Swedavia said demand for travel remained resilient through the first half of 2026, positioning the company for continued growth during the remainder of the year.

The Swedish government currently remains very supportive of its aviation sector. In late May, the government announced a support financial package for the aviation industry, the majority of which is earmarked for temporary reductions in fees for the security control of passengers and their baggage during the second half of 2026.