Impact of the coronavirus outbreak on passenger traffic at Debrecen International Airport

Abstract

One of the sectors hit hard by the outbreak of the coronavirus at the end of 2019 was air transport, which experienced a significant crisis and a drop in traffic in 2020 and 2021. With this context in mind, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of the epidemic on a specific site, Debrecen International Airport, and to identify the changes in the airport's traffic. The results show a significant decrease in passenger traffic both in 2020 and 2021, and a change in the distribution of traffic by type of air transport (scheduled, chartered, and other). With regard to the distribution of passenger traffic by month, the impact of the restrictions in force is mainly noticeable. The importance of each destination also shifted as a result of these changes.

The significance of the longest-established destinations (London/Luton and Eindhoven) was maintained, while flights to summer holiday resorts (Larnaca, Palma de Mallorca) became very popular in 2021. Flight occupancy rates varied widely both by month and by destination, but was generally lower than in 2019.