TAV AIRPORTS: 3.15 million passengers in 2023 at Skopje and Ohrid airports

Both Macedonian airports, Skopje International Airport and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, operated by TAV Macedonia, a subsidiary of TAV Airports, note a 33% increase in passenger traffic for 2023, compared to 2022, while compared to 2019, the referent year in aviation, the passenger traffic notes 18% increase.

Skopje International Airport and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, both Macedonian airports, ended 2023 with a strong recovery of passenger air traffic thus reaching approximately 3.15 million passengers or a total of 3,149,274 passengers, and 23,949 flights handled.

The total number of passengers, 3,149,274 reached in 2023 is a significant milestone for the two Macedonian airports, and at the same time, it means two simultaneous achievements – surpassing the 2019 peak of almost 2,7 million passengers, and first time reaching 3 and over 3 million passengers handled and served at both airports.

“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”, stated Nejat Kurt, TAV Macedonia General Manager.  

The airport operator officials are satisfied because Macedonian airports exceeded ACI’s European airport passenger traffic forecasts for 2023 by almost 23% vs. 2019, and they are certain that the positive trend will continue and will certainly exceed the forecasted +1.4% for 2024 as well, especially considering the strong demand for air transport and the quality of services offered at Skopje and Ohrid airports.

The most frequent destinations from Skopje International Airport according to TAV Macedonia passenger traffic statistics, for 2023, were Istanbul (both airports IGA and Sabiha Gokcen 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 in passenger traffic in 2023 at Skopje Airport, 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%), Chair Airlines (3,7%). 

The most frequent travel destination in 2023 from Ohrid Airport, was Basel (21,5% market share), followed by Vienna (21%), Dortmund (16,4%), Memmingen (11,9%), Malmo (9,4%), Zurich (9,3%), Amsterdam (8,8%), and the other destinations have 0,5% market share.