Skopje, January 22 — The two Macedonian airports, Skopje International Airport and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, which are operated by TAV Macedonia, recorded a 33% increase in passenger traffic in 2023 compared to 2022, while passenger traffic increased by 18% compared to 2019, the reference year in aviation, TAV Airports announced.
Skopje International Airport and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, ended 2023 with a strong recovery in passenger traffic, reaching approximately 3.15 million passengers, or a total of 3,149,274 passengers, and 23,949 flights handled.
“TAV as an airport operator is thrilled with such air traffic results for Skopje and Ohrid airports. With over 3 million passengers served, we have once again proved that with continuity and serious commitment to providing the best airport services quality success is inevitable. After the sharp declines in air traffic and aviation, we are happy to witness full recovery and reached new milestones in the past 2023. As our purpose as an airport operator includes welcoming passengers and operating airports in a responsible way, we are convinced that with our people’s hospitality expertise, innovative approach, and integration into the local communities, Macedonian airports will be further recognized for the passengers’ personalized experience, sustainable operating methods, and as air transportation hubs. The 33% increase in passenger traffic is a great achievement, and these results of high growth are a reflection of the hard work and the commitment of Skopje and Ohrid airports staff, for which I am grateful. Without the people, the Macedonian airports would not be what they are, therefore, we will continue to work together in synergy as a very dynamic year is ahead of us”, the general manager of TAV Macedonia Nejat Kurt pointed out.
According to TAV Macedonia, the most frequently served destinations from Skopje International Airport in 2023 were Istanbul, (both IGA and Sabiha Gokcen airports with 10.9% market share), Basel-Mulhouse (6.4%), Zurich (5.4%), Frankfurt (4.7%), Dortmund (4.5%), Vienna (4.4%), Munich-Memmingen (4.3%), Antalya (3.2%), Hamburg, and Cologne (2.7% each).
The top 5 countries with direct flights for 2023 were Germany (28.3% market share), Turkey (16.1%), Switzerland (13.4%), Sweden (6.5%), and Italy (6.4%).
Regarding airlines’ share of passenger traffic at Skopje Airport in 2023, Wizz Air transported the largest number of passengers in 2023 (61.8% market share), followed by Turkish Airlines (7%), Pegasus Airlines (6.2%), Austrian Airlines (4.4%), and Chair Airlines (3.7%).
Meanwhile, the most frequent destination in 2023 from Ohrid Airport was Basel (21.5% market share), followed by Vienna (21%), Dortmund (16.4%), Memmingen (11.9%), Malmoe (9.4%), Zurich (9.3%), Amsterdam (8.8%), and the other destinations have 0.5% market share.
Currently, according to the winter flight schedule, 13 airlines fly to 42 destinations from Skopje International Airport, while 3 airlines fly to 4 destinations from Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport.