Summer traffic growth in Italy

Italian airports welcomed 98.8 million passengers between June and September 2026, representing a 6.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025. International traffic accounts for nearly seven out of ten passengers. Despite geopolitical tensions and high fuel costs, the Italian Association of Airport Managers (Assaeroporti) estimates that annual traffic could exceed 240 million passengers.

Sustained growth during the four summer months

The summer of 2026 confirms the growth of air transport in Italy. According to figures published by Assaeroporti, all four months from June to September recorded an increase in traffic compared to 2025. August remains the busiest month, with 25.8 million passengers, ahead of July and its 25.5 million. However, it was in July that the annual growth was the strongest, at 7%. The monthly evolution shows sustained growth throughout the season, notes Assaeroporti in its statement.

For the single quarter of July-September

Italian airports recorded 75.2 million passengers during the three-month period of July to September, a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year. The daily newspaper Corriere della Sera presents this result as a historical record for this summer period. This three-month period differs from the total of 98.8 million passengers, which also includes June.

International traffic represents nearly seven out of ten passengers

Between June and September, 68.4 million passengers used international connections departing from or arriving at Italian airports. These routes thus represent nearly seven out of ten passengers in the summer traffic report.

For Assaeroporti, these results show the ability of the Italian network

These results show the ability of the Italian network to capture passenger flows in a disrupted environment. The association recalls that geopolitical tensions have limited connections with several important markets in the Middle East. They have also changed the routes between Europe and Asia, leading to the use of other routes and airports.

Rome-Fiumicino remains largely number one

For the first nine months of the year, Rome-Fiumicino retains its position as the leading Italian airport. The first airport of the Italian capital welcomed 39.31 million passengers, combining arrivals and departures, representing a 0.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Milan-Malpensa comes in second

Milan-Malpensa comes in second with 24.08 million passengers and a 1% increase. Bergamo completes the podium with 13.87 million passengers, a 7.4% increase. Naples follows with 11.13 million (+7.9%), ahead of Venice, which reached 10 million passengers (+9.9%). Milan-Linate, on the other hand, is approaching 9 million, with a growth of 8.7%.

The situation is different in Catania

The Sicilian airport recorded 9.23 million passengers between January and September, a decrease of 3.3%. Corriere della Sera attributes this decline to closures related to the activity of Mount Etna during the summer. A portion of the flights was rerouted to Comiso, whose traffic has increased significantly, to 324,537 passengers.

The risk of fuel shortage has been ruled out, but costs remain high

Assaeroporti indicates that fears of a generalized aviation fuel shortage, which emerged before the summer, have not materialized. The diversification of supplies and the strengthening of national production have allowed deliveries to be supported. The high price of jet fuel continues to weigh on the sector, however.

This constraint could influence airline programs in the coming months

This constraint could influence airline programs in the coming months. The evolution of the geopolitical context and the choices of airlines regarding routes and frequencies, particularly in response to fuel costs, could affect the outlook, warns Valentina Menin, general director of Assaeroporti.

More than 240 million passengers expected in 2026

From January to September, Italian airports welcomed 187.1 million passengers, a 5.5% increase compared to the previous year. Based on this, Assaeroporti estimates that traffic could exceed 240 million passengers for the entire year of 2026.

The association calls for continued investments to support this growth

The association calls for continued investments to support this growth. 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, by supporting the development of the economy, tourism, and businesses, concludes Valentina Menin.