Published on
April 14, 2026
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Aena Group has achieved a remarkable milestone in March 2026, as its airports across Spain, Brazil, and London Luton recorded a collective total of 29,999,078 passengers. This significant growth marks a 4.3% increase compared to the same month in 2025, underscoring the growing demand for air travel across the Aena Group’s network. The group’s success is further highlighted by aircraft movements, which rose by 6%, and freight volumes, which saw a modest 0.5% increase. These impressive figures reflect Aena’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional connectivity and services across its growing network.
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As of March 2026, Aena Group handled 81,263,915 passengers in the first quarter alone, an increase of 3.8% from the previous year. This growth is attributed to various factors, including a shift from rail travel after a major train accident on January 18, 2026, and the earlier timing of Easter 2026, which spanned March and April as opposed to April in 2025. The increase in passenger numbers demonstrates Aena’s pivotal role in the travel industry across Europe, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
Spain’s Airport Network Achieves Record-Setting Passenger Growth
Spain’s airports, managed by Aena, have experienced significant growth, with 24,759,698 passengers recorded in March 2026, reflecting a 3.9% increase from March 2025. The impressive growth is due to higher aircraft movements and increased tourism as Spain continues to be a major European destination. The Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport led the charge, handling 5,732,793 passengers, a 4.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat followed with 4,591,353 passengers, marking a 5.4% rise year-on-year.
Other airports, such as Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, and Palma de Mallorca, also saw remarkable growth, with Málaga-Costa del Sol increasing passenger numbers by 9.4% and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández by 9.1%. Gran Canaria and Tenerife Sur, while experiencing some fluctuations, still maintained solid figures, and Gran Canaria reached its highest-ever passenger numbers in March.
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Additionally, Sevilla Airport set a new all-time record for March operations, and 17 other airports within the Aena network reached record highs, cementing the strength of Spain’s aviation sector.
Growth in Brazil’s Aena Airports: An Impressive Surge in Passengers
Brazil, where Aena operates 17 airports, experienced a 7.2% increase in passenger traffic in March 2026, reaching a total of 3,894,289 passengers. The growth in Brazil is further amplified by the performance of the ANB airports, with Recife Airport seeing a notable rise of 14.2% in passenger numbers, totalling 894,105 passengers. The BOAB airports, particularly Congonhas Airport, which saw a 5.8% increase, contributed to the overall performance.
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The demand for air travel in Brazil continues to surge, with increased flights and expanded routes across the country. This uptick aligns with Aena’s broader strategy to improve connectivity and serve the increased demand for both domestic and international flights. In the first quarter of 2026, Brazilian airports managed 11,906,736 passengers, marking a 7.5% increase in traffic compared to the same period last year.
London Luton Airport: Growth Continues Amidst Increasing Demand
At London Luton Airport, Aena recorded a 1.8% increase in passenger traffic, with 1,345,091 passengers handled in March 2026. Though slightly lower than the previous month’s performance, London Luton continues to be a key international gateway for both business and leisure travellers. Aircraft movements at London Luton totalled 10,254, reflecting a minor 0.9% decrease, likely due to ongoing adjustments in the aviation industry post-pandemic.
However, London Luton’s continued growth in passenger numbers over the first quarter of 2026, reaching 3,726,029 passengers, indicates its strong position in the European aviation landscape. The airport’s connectivity and affordability make it an attractive choice for international passengers, particularly as the UK’s travel sector recovers.
Aena Group’s Role in Enhancing European and International Connectivity
The overall success of Aena Group in March 2026 is a testament to its dedication to expanding connectivity across Europe, Brazil, and the UK. With 81,263,915 passengers handled in the first quarter of 2026, Aena continues to drive growth, supporting both leisure tourism and business connectivity across its network of airports.
The increased passenger traffic across Aena’s airports aligns with the broader European aviation industry’s recovery, as Aena Group remains committed to improving airport infrastructure and passenger services. With Aena offering a seamless travel experience, its airports are set to continue to serve as vital hubs for the growth of global tourism and business travel, while also strengthening their positions in their respective regions.
Looking Ahead: Aena Group’s Continued Expansion and Success
As Aena Group continues to grow and improve its network of airports, it will remain focused on meeting the demands of both tourists and business travellers. The record-setting numbers in March 2026 demonstrate that Aena Group is positioned to maintain its role as a leader in aviation and connectivity. The strong performance at Aena’s airports across Spain, Brazil, and the UK signals a bright future for the airline industry as it continues to recover and expand.
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