Janury 2026: Passenger Numbers Surge by 127% as Barcelona and Košice Lead the Way

20. 02. 2026 – M. R. Štefánik Airport Bratislava began 2026 with a historic triple-digit increase in passenger numbers. In January, the airport handled a total of 195,110 passengers, representing a 127% increase compared to January 2025, when 86,000 passengers were handled.

“This year’s January operational result brings another historic monthly record for Bratislava Airport. The record 195,110 passengers represent the highest number of passengers ever handled in January throughout the airport’s 75-year history — an absolute January record,” confirmed Dušan Novota, CEO of M. R. Štefánik Airport.

“It is clear that the opening of Wizz Air’s base and the launch of numerous new routes are already translating into record passenger growth in 2026. Among the most popular routes from Bratislava were Barcelona and Košice, supported by daily frequencies, as well as newly introduced destinations such as Naples and Alicante,” added Dušan Novota.

In January, four completely new scheduled routes were launched from Bratislava with Wizz Air, offering regular services to Kutaisi (Georgia), Chișinău (Moldova), Larnaca (Cyprus), and Yerevan (Armenia). In the charter segment, flights to Salalah (Oman), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), and Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam) were among the most popular destinations.

The total number of aircraft movements also increased by 35% in January, reaching 2,001 take-offs and landings. Air cargo transport likewise recorded further growth.

BTS Operational Statistics – January 2026:

Passengers: 195 110 (+ 127 % vs. 2025)

Flights: 2 001 (+ 35 % vs. 2025)

Cargo: 1 643 tonnes (+ 18 % vs. 2025)

Top destinations: Barcelona, Košice, London, Naples, Alicante