6.6 million passengers used the airport over the past 10 months (+ 12.6%)and is obviously a new record. International traffic is very strong, with an increase of +21.4%, and represents 85% of overall growth. Domestic flights increased by +4.6%.
Traffic was boosted by a high-profile event in October, the Bordeaux Marathon. The event attracted 46 nationalities outside of France, such as British, Belgian, Spanish, Italian and American participants. Setting off just after sunset, this unique course weaved through the heart of the historic monuments in the city, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and towards the famous vineyards of Bordeaux.
The network of international routes continued to show good results, with 430,000 passengers in October and growth of +21.4%.
These excellent results were driven by the major international European cities and hubs : Dublin +63,1%, Madrid +50,1%, Lisbon +45%, Barcelona +12,1%, Istanbul +10,4% and Zurich +6,1%.
In early autumn, sunny destinations also continue to be popular : Tel-Aviv +61,8%, Palermo +58,3%, Malaga +27,1%, Tenerife +25,9%, Faro +25,8% and Athens +21,4%. Morocco experienced strong growth and Marrakech led the way with +67.3%, followed by Fes with +41.3%, Oran with +32.5% and Agadir with +10.3%. In light of these results, the Moroccan airline network is expanding this winter and, in October, 2 new destinations to Nador and Oujda were opened with Ryanair.
Domestic traffic increased by +4.6%, or 283,500 passengers. Transverse routes posted good results, led by Brest +269%, Lille +49,9%, and Lyon +30,2%. Flights to the French capital, Paris fell by 6%, despite best ever score registered by CDG hub feeder service in October.
Low-cost traffic is the major driver of Bordeaux’s impressive growth and is up by +28.2%, transporting 447,500 passengers. With the opening of its airbase in spring, Ryanair boosted its traffic compared to October 2018, carrying 124,000 passengers. Vueling grew by +32% and EasyJet by +11.4%. Network airlines also contributed to the growth of the airport with Turkish Airlines up to +10.4% and Swiss +6.1%.
Bordeaux Airport’s winter 2019-2020 programme offers a network of 107 direct flights, including 31 new flights, linking the capital city of the French South West Atlantic to 23 countries.
