Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Spain Unites with Italy, Germany, France, and UK: Europe’s Aviation Outlook for 2025 Reveals Strong Growth in Tourism

Published on
October 6, 2025

Airports Council International (ACI) World has projected global air traffic to reach 9.8 billion passengers in 2025, with 10 billion passengers expected by 2026. However, this growth is not uniform across regions, particularly in Europe. While passenger traffic in Southern European countries, notably Spain and Italy, is expected to soar, core European countries are facing challenges in their recovery, with domestic traffic still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. Geopolitical tensions, aging demographics, and shifting traveler behavior are among the key factors affecting European aviation. ACI’s report highlights that international travel is the primary driver of growth in Europe, while domestic volumes remain more moderate, with rail travel gaining traction in countries like Germany, France, and the UK.

In Southern Europe, which includes popular tourist destinations like Spain and Italy, air traffic is expected to grow by 3.6% year-over-year in 2025, reaching a total of 2.5 billion passengers. This growth is primarily driven by strong tourism demand, with both countries benefiting from their appeal as top destinations for international travelers. Spainand Italy have consistently outperformed other regions in Europe, with their major airports seeing a rise in international arrivals, boosting overall traffic figures. The growth is expected to continue, as Southern Europe remains a key player in global tourism.

Despite the challenges faced by other parts of Europe, Southern European countries are benefiting from their tourism sectors, which are showing resilience and encouraging further investment in aviation infrastructure. Tourist-friendly policies, coupled with a resurgence of international flights, are propelling Southern Europe into a position of growth amidst a more uncertain European landscape.

Challenges in Core European Markets: Domestic Traffic Lags
In contrast to the strong performance of Southern Europe, domestic travel in core European markets, such as Germany, France, and the UK, remains below pre-pandemic levels. According to ACI World, rail travel is gaining ground as an alternative to air travel in these countries, particularly for short-haul journeys. This trend is especially notable in the UK, France, and Germany, where rail networks are being seen as a more sustainable and efficient way to travel within the region.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions and trade frictions are impacting air travel in parts of Europe. The uncertainty surrounding visa policies, travel restrictions, and changing demographics further complicate the outlook for mature aviation markets across Europe. While international travel continues to thrive, domestic air traffic is expected to remain stagnant, limiting overall growth in core European countries.

Tourism’s Role in Europe’s Aviation Recovery
Tourism has played a significant role in Europe’s aviation recovery, particularly in countries with strong tourism industries like Spain and Italy. Spain, with its sunny Mediterranean climate and cultural heritage, continues to attract millions of international visitors each year. Similarly, Italy’s rich history and diverse landscapes make it a perennial favorite for tourists, with airports such as Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) experiencing substantial traffic growth.

As Europe’s aviation market continues to recover, tourism demand remains a critical factor in driving international traffic. Southern Europe’s success in this area offers hope for other parts of the continent that are struggling with domestic traffic. Airports in Spain and Italy are expected to see continued growth in international travelers, particularly from the U.S., China, and the Middle East.

Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty Impacts European Aviation
Despite the positive outlook for Southern Europe, European aviation faces considerable challenges in the form of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Trade frictions and uncertain political climates have raised concerns about the future of air travel in the region. The ongoing effects of Brexit, along with visa rule changes in some countries, are contributing to a more volatile travel environment. Germany, France, and the UK are also contending with the long-term impacts of aging populations, which could further dampen the growth of domestic air travel in these countries.

Political and economic shifts in the region will continue to shape airline strategies and passenger demand. While international traffic remains a key growth driver for European aviation, the region’s reliance on domestic air travel is increasingly at risk, and the rail travel trend could continue to limit the growth of regional flights.

Future Outlook: The Road Ahead for European Aviation
Looking forward, Europe’s aviation market is expected to see continued growth in international traffic, particularly to and from Southern Europe, which remains a hub for tourism and leisure travel. However, domestic traffic in core European countries will likely remain constrained due to competition from rail networks and slower economic recovery. Southern Europe’s performance offers a bright spot, as countries like Spain and Italy continue to attract travelers, despite challenges elsewhere in the continent.

In conclusion, European aviation in 2025 is poised for a mixed recovery. While Southern Europe continues to benefit from strong tourism demand, core European markets face a more uncertain outlook, with domestic traffic still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels. The future of aviation in Europe will depend heavily on the region’s ability to adapt to changing travel patterns, geopolitical dynamics, and economic challenges. Investments in aviation infrastructure, along with policies that promote sustainable travel, will be key to maintaining growth across the continent.