BTS Records a 46% Increase in Handled Passengers in October
M. R. Štefánik Airport once again achieved a milestone, reaching its highest-ever number of handled passengers for the month of October. A total of 194,883 passengers were processed on arrivals and departures, representing a record increase of 46% compared to last year’s October. The previous October record from 2018, when 167,942 passengers passed through the airport, was surpassed by almost 27,000 people.
“In October, Ryanair added a third based aircraft to its Bratislava base, which allowed the airline to boost frequencies on several routes and open new ones. Including all regular and charter flights, we achieved 46% year-on-year growth. Last October, we handled 133,000 passengers,“ said Dušan Novota, CEO and Chairman of the Board of M. R. Štefánik Airport.
“On 24 October, we also welcomed our two-millionth passenger, crossing the two-million threshold for the first time in six years. During the first ten months of 2025, we handled 2,048,368 passengers in total. We continue to grow at a double-digit rate, with 18% more passengers compared to the same period last year,”“ Dušan Novota added.
In October, the most popular destinations from Bratislava were London (Stansted and Luton combined), Milan, Hurghada, Alghero, and Malta. In total, 2,243 flights were operated during the month. From January to the end of October, the airport recorded 25,082 aircraft movements.
Among this year’s top destinations by passenger numbers are Antalya, London, Hurghada, Alghero on the Italian island of Sardinia, and Malta.
Air cargo also continues to grow steadily — since the beginning of the year, volumes have increased to 15,639 tonnes, representing a 68% rise.