Multidimensional comparative analysis of passenger air transport in terms of the recovery from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and economic security

Research objectives and hypothesis/research questions The aim of the article is to analyze and evaluate data on the number of passengers transported by air transport in 28 European countries between 2019-2024. For the research problem and aim of the study, a research hypothesis was outlined: it is assumed that in the 28 European countries considered, most of them will see an increase in the number of passengers transported by air in 2023 compared to 2019. Research methods Research methods used in the study were: analysis, comparison, abstraction. Main results The research shows that from 2012 to 2019, there was a strong increasing trend in the number of passengers transported by air in the 28 analyzed European countries. The number of passengers increased during this period from 941 283 897 to 1 360 391,372 people. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of passengers decreased to 360 853 482, and from 2021 to 2023 there are increases that are still lower than the level noted in 2019. It was also observed that in each of the 28 European countries considered, there was an increase in the number of passengers transported in 2023 compared to 2022. Comparing data on the number of passengers between 2019 and 2023, increases were observed in 15 of the 28 European countries considered. The most visible one was seen in Spain: 7 764 194 people. The biggest declines were in Germany: 41,484,618 people. The price of an airline ticket certainly influences the number of passengers. The largest part of it, 56,54%, is the price of fuel. Despite the increase in fuel prices, a substantial increase in the number of passengers transported is noted between 2021-2022; due to the process of recovery from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for theory and practice Development directions indicate that air transport in Europe for 2025-2030 will have to meet new challenges, while adapting to passengers’ expectations and global ecological and technological trends. The modernization of airports and the development of new connections will be crucial to cope with the growing passenger traffic. Many airports are planning to expand terminals and improve traffic management systems. A significant challenge is to integrate air transport with other forms of transport such as railways, buses and ridesharing services to ensure seamless and convenient connections for passengers.