Airports During Covid: Crowded Or Deserted?

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted airports and air travel worldwide. While some airports experienced a dip in passenger traffic due to travel restrictions, others saw an increase in cargo volumes. For instance, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska became one of the busiest airports in the United States during the pandemic. In contrast, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, typically the world's busiest airport, saw a decrease in passenger traffic in 2020. The pandemic, along with geopolitical factors, brought Anchorage international attention, allowing it to maintain high cargo volumes. Meanwhile, Philadelphia International Airport, a significant travel hub, continues to bustle with activity, connecting millions of passengers worldwide.

Busiest airports during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted air travel, with travel restrictions causing a dip in passenger traffic at airports worldwide. Despite this, some airports remained busy during the pandemic. Here is a list of some of the busiest airports during COVID-19:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, United States:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport has consistently ranked as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998, except in 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. In 2023, it handled 50.9 million passengers on 341,835 flights, regaining its top position in 2021. Atlanta is also considered the busiest airport in the United States.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska, United States:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anchorage's airport became one of the busiest in the United States. It is also one of the top ten busiest cargo airports worldwide, with a significant economic impact on the region. Anchorage Airport has historically been a popular stopover for flights between Europe and Asia due to Cold War restrictions, but improved international relations have reduced its prominence in this regard.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania, United States:

Philadelphia International Airport is a major hub for both passengers and cargo, serving a city that attracts business travellers, tourists, and students. The airport's busy status is reflected in the recommended arrival times for travellers: two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.

London, United Kingdom:

While specific airport data is unavailable, London has been reported to have the world's busiest city airport system by passenger count as of 2024. This indicates that one or more of its airports, such as Heathrow, experience significant passenger traffic.

Other Busy Airports:

Other airports that have been noted as busy during or in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic include Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Miami International Airport, which saw an increase in cargo volume in 2023.

Impact of COVID-19 on airport foot traffic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on airport foot traffic, causing a steep decline in international airport visits. This decrease in international travel is believed to be linked to the increase in awareness about COVID-19, as people sought more information about the virus. As a result, many major airports experienced a significant drop in passenger traffic, with some airports being over 70% below their typical traffic levels.

The pandemic has also affected airports differently, with some experiencing a more substantial decline in foot traffic than others. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport, saw a dip in passenger traffic in 2020 due to travel restrictions. However, it regained its top position in 2021. On the other hand, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska became one of the busiest airports in the United States during the pandemic. This was attributed to its role as a popular stopover for passenger flights between Europe and Asia due to Cold War restrictions.

The impact of the pandemic on airport foot traffic has also been studied by companies like SafeGraph and Wanderlog, who have used predictive models and Google's live popularity tracker to assess the situation. These studies have revealed a "crippling impact" on international air travel, with a negative error indicating "fewer visits than expected." The data also suggests a causal relationship between the increase in searches for "coronavirus" and the decrease in airport visits, indicating that as people became more aware of the virus, they were less likely to travel.

While the pandemic has caused a decrease in international airport foot traffic, some sources indicate an increase in foot traffic to domestic or regional airports. This trend could be attributed to people opting for local or domestic travel instead of international destinations due to safety concerns or travel restrictions. Overall, the impact of COVID-19 on airport foot traffic has been significant, causing a shift in human behavior and affecting the economic activities associated with airports.

Cargo volume at airports during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on airports, with a steep decline in passenger air traffic. However, the demand for cargo aircraft has remained strong, keeping global supply lines open. Airports with cargo-diversified revenue streams have been able to avoid the worst effects of the pandemic.

Some airports, such as Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska, have even experienced increased activity during the pandemic. Anchorage Airport is a major cargo hub, serving as a stopover for flights between Europe and Asia. While it saw a minor decrease in cargo volume, it retained its high cargo volumes throughout the pandemic.

Other airports, such as Miami International Airport (MIA), also experienced an increase in cargo volume during the pandemic. According to ACI, Miami International Airport handled 2.5 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2023, a 1% increase compared to 2022.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is another example of a busy cargo hub during the pandemic. PHL handles a substantial volume of freight in addition to passenger traffic. The airport's cargo operations have expanded due to the growth of e-commerce during the pandemic.

While the pandemic disrupted the aviation industry, the cargo business has been a bright spot. Airports with diversified revenue streams, including cargo operations, have been more resilient to the pandemic's impact. The demand for cargo aircraft and the growth of e-commerce may help build a more robust aviation industry in the future.

Airport safety measures during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the aviation sector, with airlines grounding hundreds of planes worldwide and airports closing terminals and suspending operations. As a result, airports implemented various safety measures to minimise the risk of spreading the disease and ensure the safe operation of air traffic. These measures have become the essential standard for airports worldwide, and their implementation varies depending on the country and time of year. Here are some of the key safety measures:

Face Coverings and Masks

The use of face coverings or masks is mandatory in airports and during flights. This measure helps prevent the spread of the virus through droplets or aerosol particles.

Social Distancing

Airports encourage social distancing to reduce close contact between passengers and staff. This includes maintaining distance during check-in, security screening, and boarding processes.

Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

Airports have increased the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning and disinfection, especially in high-touch areas like handrails, countertops, and washrooms. This helps reduce the risk of surface transmission.

Temperature Checks and Health Screening

Many airports conduct temperature checks and health screenings to identify individuals with potential COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, loss of smell, chills, cough, or shortness of breath. This helps detect and isolate potentially infected individuals.

RT-PCR Screening and Data Collection

Some airports implement RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) testing for travellers, especially those from high-risk areas. Health declarations and data collection also assist in contact tracing and assessing the risk of transmission.

Ventilation Control

Airports focus on improving ventilation systems to ensure adequate airflow and reduce the concentration of viral particles in the air. This helps lower the risk of airborne transmission.

Digital Solutions

The utilisation of digital technologies has been noteworthy in minimising contact between passengers and ground staff. This includes contactless check-in, digital boarding passes, and online travel and health documentation.

Cargo Operations

While passenger traffic was significantly impacted, airports like Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Miami International Airport (MIA) remained busy with cargo operations during the pandemic. These airports handled substantial cargo volumes, contributing to the global supply chain.

These safety measures aim to protect the health and safety of travellers, staff, and the general public. They are subject to change and evolution as the pandemic situation evolves and new variants emerge. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed about the specific requirements and recommendations of the departure and arrival airports before travelling.

Post-COVID-19 airport trends

Airports have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel restrictions causing a dip in passenger traffic. However, as travel restrictions ease, airports are regaining their pre-pandemic bustle, and some new trends are emerging.

Firstly, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of efficiency and convenience for travellers. Airports that offer a seamless travel experience, from check-in to gate navigation, are gaining favour among passengers. This includes the implementation of expedited security screening processes, such as TSA PreCheck, and the availability of alternative parking options that reduce the hassle of crowded airport parking lots.

Secondly, the role of airports as economic drivers has become more pronounced. Airports that serve as cargo hubs, such as Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport, have retained their high cargo volumes despite the pandemic. This has positive knock-on effects for the local economy, with Anchorage Airport supporting one out of every seven jobs in the city.

Additionally, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital solutions in airports. The use of airport apps and websites that provide real-time flight status and terminal information has become increasingly common, empowering travellers to stay updated and make more efficient travel plans.

Furthermore, the post-COVID-19 era has seen a shift in the ranking of the world's busiest airports. While London's Heathrow Airport remains a major hub, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has consistently ranked as the busiest airport in the world in recent years, handling a vast number of passengers and flights annually.

Lastly, the pandemic may have contributed to a growing awareness of airport design and amenities. Travel and Leisure's 2024 reader poll ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as the best airport in the US, citing its ease of navigation and the availability of desirable restaurants and shops.

As air travel continues to recover from the impact of COVID-19, it will be interesting to see how airports adapt to meet the evolving needs and expectations of travellers.

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