(BRATISLAVA) Bratislava M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS) recorded its busiest month in history in July 2025, processing 358,898 passengers, a new all-time monthly high that topped the previous record from 2018. Airport data show 3,391 flights operated in the month and 1,568 tonnes of cargo moved—up about 50% from a year earlier—marking a sharp rise in both travel and trade activity.
From January through July, BTS handled 1,234,087 passengers, a 16% year-on-year increase, underscoring how airline expansion and strong summer demand are reshaping Slovakia’s main gateway. The airport also crossed the one‑million‑passenger mark on July 11, 2025, the earliest date on record for Bratislava.
Record Month and Year-to-Date Surge
The July milestone—358,898 passengers—caps a run of strong growth built on several factors: seven new scheduled routes in 2025, heavier charter traffic to beach destinations, and network expansion by low‑cost carriers.
The airport reports 16,290 take‑offs and landings in the first seven months of 2025, up 2% year-on-year, while freight reached 10,729 tonnes in the same period, an increase of 65%.
Top summer destinations reinforce the picture of holiday‑driven demand:
- Antalya, London, Burgas, Larnaca, Hurghada, Manchester, Malta
- Increased charter capacity to Turkey and Egypt
- Strong load factors on leisure routes throughout peak weeks
The cargo trend extends a recent run, with June throughput up 77% year-on-year (1,482 tonnes), reflecting rising e‑commerce flows and supply chain shifts that favor quick air links across Central and Eastern Europe.
Dušan Novota, the airport’s CEO and board chair, described the historic July result as proof that new routes and added charter capacity are paying off, especially with families and budget travelers returning to the skies.
Airport managers say the current momentum is reducing so‑called “traffic leakage” to nearby Vienna International Airport (50 km away), keeping more Slovak travelers flying from home.
Airline Expansion and Route Map
Ryanair remains the biggest carrier at BTS, flying a record 24 routes in summer 2025 and forecasting around 1.1 million passengers on its BTS network this year. In 2025 it added new links to:
- Bari
- Milan Malpensa
- Gdansk
- Skiathos
- Zadar
These additions strengthen connections to Italy, Poland, and the Greek islands. Norwegian returned to Bratislava after an 11‑year break, launching direct Copenhagen service in late June.
The largest structural change arrives later in 2025: Wizz Air will open a new BTS base and start 13 new routes between late October and mid‑December. Planned routes include:
- Athens, Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga
- Oslo, Naples, Palermo, Basel
- Lamezia Terme, Niš, Plovdiv, Varna, Bucharest
Two Airbus A321neo aircraft will be based at the airport, adding nearly one million seats per year. The Bucharest route starts on October 28, with other routes phased from November 14 to December 16.
Airport route development chief Daniel Kulla has said the priority is to push further into Spain, Germany, France, and Scandinavia—markets with strong demand but limited nonstop coverage from Slovakia.
The combination of Ryanair’s established network and Wizz Air’s late‑year buildout positions BTS for its best year on record. Airport planners expect passenger numbers to surpass 2 million in 2025 for the first time. That forecast builds on last year’s total of 1.948 million (up 7% on 2023).
Why the Numbers Matter for Travelers
For travelers, the 358,898 passengers figure in July 2025 indicates:
- More flights and more seats, increasing the chance of lower fares.
- Greater competition on overlapping routes, which can push prices down.
- Wider choices—Nordic and Mediterranean services expand options for tourists, students, and seasonal workers.
Expanded short‑haul links also make it easier for families to visit relatives and for small businesses to reach clients without routing through Vienna or Prague.
Important travel reminder:
– Travelers from non‑visa‑exempt countries must check Schengen short‑stay visa rules before booking.
– For official guidance on who needs a visa, allowed stays, and required documents, see the European Commission’s page on EU visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en.
Booking only after reviewing official requirements can help avoid last‑minute changes, especially during peak seasons when consulates see higher demand.
Business and Cargo Implications
For carriers, the July high demonstrates the impact of a tight, focused network in a still‑maturing city‑pairs market. Bratislava’s performance suggests the airport is winning back flyers who previously chose Vienna for frequency or timing reasons.
- Stronger morning and evening banks improve day‑trip and overnight options for business travelers.
- Leisure travelers benefit from weekend-friendly schedules that align with school calendars.
Cargo performance is also significant:
– 1,568 tonnes in July
– More than 10,700 tonnes year‑to‑date
This benefits Slovakia’s exporters and logistics firms when airlines maintain bellyhold space and add freighter services. For individuals relying on international deliveries—students receiving supplies or families shipping personal items—more consistent airlift can reduce holiday-related delays.
Service, Seasonality, and Future Outlook
Airport leaders stress that growth must be matched with improved service. More routes bring more first‑time international flyers and families who often need extra time at security or check‑in.
BTS says it is investing in services to handle rising volumes and keep queues manageable as gate occupancy increases during peaks. With Wizz Air basing two A321neos and Ryanair maintaining its 24‑route summer map, the late‑year shoulder season could be busier than usual.
Network variety is increasing beyond the core summer leisure markets (Antalya, Hurghada, Larnaca, Burgas) to include growing demand for London and Manchester, driven by tourism and community ties. Students heading to Spain and Italy will welcome new winter services, while companies will look for steady links to Germany and France as BTS seeks further deals.
Daniel Kulla has emphasized that better coverage in Western Europe remains a core goal for 2026 planning.
The headline is clear: July set a new benchmark at Bratislava M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS). If the airport sustains its year‑to‑date growth rate and Wizz Air’s base launches as scheduled, the 2‑million‑passenger milestone in 2025 is within reach—marking a new chapter for Slovakia’s aviation sector with knock‑on effects for tourism, jobs, and cross‑border travel choices.
This Article in a Nutshell
Record July 2025 at Bratislava BTS—358,898 passengers. New routes, charter growth and low‑cost expansion drove traffic. Cargo surged, boosting logistics. Wizz Air base and Ryanair’s 24 routes promise more seats. Early one‑million milestone and forecasts point to surpassing two million passengers in 2025, reshaping regional connectivity.
