Last month, only Peinador won passengers with Madrid in the current competitive scenario of the AVE
November 12, 2024 . Updated at 2.54pm
The progressive loss of destinations and the reduction of various frequencies are slowing down the growth of the Galician airline network. Since June the sum of the three airports has not been able to exceed the values of the same month of the previous year, and In October the three terminals closed with negative balances compared to 2023as had already happened in September. The traffic accounting that Aena has just distributed reflects drops in October of 9.3% in Lavacolla, 6.1% in Alvedro and up to 10.1% less in Peinador. Only Compostela airport manages to maintain the cumulative data for the year in positive numbers, 2.3% more than the first ten months of the previous year. The A Coruña terminal, however, lost 2.1% and Vigo 9.6%, in a year that will struggle to recover the traffic lost due to the works that led to the closure of its runway for practically the entire month of May.
The October budget closes the summer air season, seven months in which the airport network is active the community has moved away from the four million traveler barrier which he had been close to achieving for the first time in the previous summer season. The 72,328 fewer users counted by adding the three airports in this period represent a drop of almost 9%, although the 3.87 million travelers who used the Galician runways still represent the second best result in its history.
Lavacolla is the only airport that improves its data compared to
Madrid holds the leadership in Lavacolla, capturing 12.5% of its traffic in the first ten months of the year, despite the lack of flights in the early hours of the day, while Barcelona absorbs almost 12% of users of Compostela airport, in which even in the accumulated year, Seville stands as the third destination with the highest demand. In Alvedro, Madrid is the itinerary chosen by 62% of travelers and the one with the most users in all of Galicia. In the case of A Coruña, Barcelona has another 20%, and London, the third route with the most tickets sold, does not reach 5% of the total in Alvedro. In the case of Peinador, the route with Barajas continues to be essential as it is used by 65% of users of the community’s southern terminal, by almost another 20% and Gran Canaria, the third most successful option, adds 4%.
The AVE competition
The AVE option may appear to be making its mark on Galician airports, as both Alvedro and Lavacolla handled fewer passengers last month compared to the same month last year with Madrid. Compostela Airport went from 37,464 passengers arriving or heading to Barajas in October 2023 to 30,176 today, a figure that could be higher if it had a wider supply of flights allowing for earlier travel. Demand also decreased in Alvedro with Madrid in October, going from 70,831 travelers to 63,473, and only in Vigo, the city with the AVE worst connected to the Meseta Having to make a detour to Santiago, in October last year 64,339 passengers chose the route to the Spanish capital and now 89,791 have done so.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aviation Expert Dr. Laura Ortiz
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ortiz. Let’s dive right in. Last month, only Peinador Airport reported increased passenger traffic compared to Madrid, despite challenges faced by the other Galician airports. What do you think is causing this discrepancy?
Dr. Laura Ortiz: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. The situation at Peinador is indeed interesting. While both Lavacolla and Alvedro experienced declines in passenger numbers primarily due to the competitive AVE train services to Madrid, Peinador seems to have carved a niche for itself. One reason could be its ability to attract leisure travelers and perhaps lower-cost carriers that offer competitive fares.
Editor: That makes sense. I noted from Aena’s recent data that all Galician airports experienced a drop in traffic in October, with total losses of 9.3% in Lavacolla and 10.1% in Peinador. Given that, how do you foresee the recovery of the Galician airline network in the coming months?
Dr. Ortiz: Recovery is going to be challenging. As you mentioned, a substantial drop in passenger numbers indicates a systemic issue. We are seeing competition from high-speed rail, and airport infrastructure in Galicia, particularly in Vigo and A Coruña, is still under strain from previous construction works. However, with potential seasonal increases during holidays and better marketing strategies, there is still hope for recovery.
Editor: You mentioned competition from high-speed rail. Could the AVE services to Madrid be significantly influencing the decision-making of travelers in the region?
Dr. Ortiz: Absolutely. The AVE rail service has a reputation for reliability and convenience, which can sway travelers who value time and comfort. It’s not just about the speed; trains provide a different kind of travel experience, one that can attract many passengers, particularly for short to medium distances. The ability to travel to downtown locations conveniently is a strong selling point compared to airport transit times.
Editor: Interesting point! Now, as we look at the overall picture, Lavacolla was the only airport to post improved data compared to Madrid, even capturing 12.5% of its traffic. What factors might have contributed to this positive trend?
Dr. Ortiz: Lavacolla’s strength as a hub for both international and domestic flights can’t be overlooked. Additionally, it has seen increased connections, appealing to both business and leisure travelers. The airport authorities may also have implemented effective promotional campaigns that highlighted the ease of travel from Lavacolla.
Editor: Moving forward, what steps do you believe can be taken to enhance the performance of the Galician airports?
Dr. Ortiz: Enhancing performance will require a multi-pronged approach. First, fostering partnerships with airlines to increase routes and frequency is crucial. Second, investing in modernizing facilities to improve traveler experience should be prioritized. Lastly, targeted marketing and leveraging digital channels to attract tourists and business travelers can make a significant difference in reversing the current downward trend.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ortiz. Your insights are invaluable. It seems that while challenges exist, there is still potential for growth and improvement in the Galician airline network.
Dr. Ortiz: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that local stakeholders, including government and airport management, work collaboratively toward solutions. With proper strategies, the region can reclaim its position in the aviation market.