Airports in Europe generate €675 billion in GDP a year – accounting for 4.1% of GDP in Europe – while contributing to the employment of 12.3 million people, a new study shows.
The report – Economic Impact of European Airports – commissioned by ACI-Europe, found that the UK has the largest air passenger market in Europe.
UK airports generate or facilitate 1,171,000 jobs when taking into account indirect impacts and other sectors of the economy facilitated by air connectivity.
Direct employment at UK airports in 2013 was 199,200, higher than any other European country except Germany.
Across Europe as a whole, for every 10% increase in a country’s air connectivity GDP per capita is lifted by 0.5%.
It follows a report last November by consultancy Oxford Economics which found that UK aviation as a whole contributes £51,966 billion in GDP, 961,000 jobs and £8,683 billion in taxation.
Welcoming the latest study, a spokesman for the Airport Operators Association, which represents 55 UK airports, said: “This report is further evidence that a vibrant aviation sector is a vital contributor to economic growth, both in the UK and across Europe.
“Whether measured in terms of GDP, jobs or tax-take, it is clear that aviation is one of the country’s most important sectors, and so is worthy of support from across the political divide as we approach the 2015 general election.
“The revelation that for every 10% increase in air connectivity GDP per capita if lifted by 0.5% should act as a warning to those who wish to see our sector constrained.
“Whilst UK aviation will do everything possible to develop cleaner, quieter, smarter operations, government and opposition politicians should do everything they can to help our sector expand in future years.
“This means, for example, reducing the UK’s high levels of Air Passenger Duty, committing to act swiftly once the Airports Commission has published its final report later this year, and ensuring we make the best use of existing capacity so that all airports who wish to grow are able to.”