BTS records strong growth in Q1 2026: Passenger numbers up 148%, March alone up 163%
M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava recorded the highest number of handled passengers in its history in the first quarter of 2026. In the first three months of the year, the airport handled a total of 679,041 passengers, representing a year-on-year increase of 148%. March itself also set a historic record, with 270,986 passengers handled - an increase of 163% compared to the same period last year.
“The launch of Wizz Air’s base has led to a record expansion of new routes, as well as the introduction of services that can be used on a daily basis. Thanks to increased flight frequencies, destinations such as Barcelona, London, Rome, Košice and Malaga ranked among the most popular routes at the beginning of 2026,“ said Dušan Novota, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of M. R. Štefánik Airport.
The airport has been recording historic monthly passenger figures for several consecutive months, with exceptional triple-digit growth rates - among the highest across European airports. For the first time in its 75-year history, the airport exceeded the 200,000-passenger mark this March.
M. R. Štefánik Airport continued its strong growth across all key performance indicators in March 2026. The number of aircraft movements increased to 2,969 (+67%), while cargo volume reached 2,058 tonnes, up 27% compared to the same period last year. The most popular destinations included Barcelona, London, Rome, Košice and Malaga.
The positive trend was also confirmed for the entire first quarter of 2026. The airport handled a total of 679,041 passengers, representing a 148% increase year-on-year. The number of aircraft movements reached 7,058 (+45%), while cargo volume rose to 5,461 tonnes (+24%).
Operational results - March 2026:
● Passengers: 270 986 (+163 % vs. 2025)
● Aircraft movements: 2 969 (+67 %)
● Cargo: 2 058 tonnes (+27 %)
● Top destinations: Barcelona, London, Rome, Košice, Malaga
Operational results - Q1 2026:
● Passengers: 679 041 (+148 % vs. 2025)
● Aircraft movements: 7 058 (+45 %)
● Cargo: 5 461 ton (+24 %)
● Top destinations: Barcelona, London, Košice, Rom, Malaga