RIMINI, Italy—Bilbao Airport (BIO) is accelerating its international expansion strategy after surpassing 7 million annual passengers for the first time, with ambitions to add more long-haul services and strengthen links to underserved European markets.
The Basque Country gateway recorded a third consecutive year of passenger growth in 2025, helped by the launch of new routes to destinations including New York Newark, Budapest, Palermo and Krakow, alongside the arrival of new airlines such as United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Smartwings.
According to Basque Country Tourism representative Andrés Rodríguez, the airport’s recent momentum reflects a sustained focus on diversifying its network and increasing international traffic, which now accounts for around 45% of total passengers.
Among the airport’s most significant recent gains was United’s launch of nonstop Newark service in June 2025, giving Bilbao its first direct connection to the U.S. Seasonal service resumes on May 31. At the same time, several previously suspended routes have returned, including services to Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London Heathrow.
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“This positive momentum has continued into 2026,” Rodríguez tells Aviation Week, pointing to newly launched routes to Luxembourg, Edinburgh, Turin and Casablanca, as well as the arrival of additional carriers such as Luxair and Austrian Airlines.
Rodríguez adds priority regions within Europe include the Nordics, Baltics and Eastern Europe, while long-haul ambitions extend beyond the recently launched Newark route. “On long-haul, the objective is to progressively expand connectivity following the launch of New York, with a focus on the U.S. East Coast, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East,” he says.
Bilbao believes its combination of strong local demand and a sizable corporate market gives it an advantage when competing for airline investment. According to Rodríguez, about 30% of the airport’s traffic base is linked to corporate travel, helping provide greater year-round stability for airlines.
Alongside Bilbao, nearby Vitoria Airport is pursuing a more modest but increasingly diversified growth strategy. The airport has expanded beyond reliance on Ryanair by attracting additional carriers including Volotea and Binter during the 2025-26 period.
Vitoria is currently targeting priority markets identified in its strategic plan, including Paris, while positioning itself as a complementary airport within the wider Basque airport system.
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