In the first quarter of 2025, Turkish Airlines (THY) emerged as the leading airline in terms of passenger numbers at Ljubljana International Airport, the main gateway to Slovenia’s capital. Despite a slight decrease in passenger figures, THY maintained its top position, followed by Swiss, which recorded a notable growth rate.
THY Leads with a Single Route: Reaches 42,696 Passengers
Turkish Airlines carried 42,696 passengers through Ljubljana Airport in Q1 2025, securing its dominance in the Slovenian market. Impressively, THY achieved this with just a single route, outperforming Lufthansa, which operates two routes.
Although the airline saw a decline of around 1,816 passengers compared to the same period last year, it successfully retained its market lead, reinforcing its strong brand presence in Slovenia.
Swiss Sees 19.5% Growth
Swiss International Air Lines recorded the highest passenger increase in the Slovenian market. In Q1 2025, the airline added 4,687 more passengers year-on-year, reaching a total of 28,784. This 19.5% growth was attributed to increased flight frequency and optimised capacity management.
UK Market Sees Steep 60.9% Decline
The most significant drop in traffic at Ljubljana Airport was observed in the UK market. British Airways suspended its winter flights, and Wizz Air cancelled its London routes in January and February, resulting in a total loss of 27,093 passengers and a sharp 60.9% decline.
Air France and Wizz Air Reduce Frequencies
Air France cut back on its Ljubljana services, losing 3,208 passengers, yet maintained a strong market position with a cabin load factor of 81.7%. Wizz Air saw a decrease of 579 passengers on its Skopje route, partially due to a change in aircraft type (now using the Airbus A320).
Signs of Stability in Former Yugoslavia Market
Air Serbia posted a gain of 1,007 passengers without any increase in capacity.
Similarly, Air Montenegro added 1,797 passengers, reflecting the stability and loyalty of passengers within the regional aviation sector.
Airlines with Increased Passenger Numbers (Q1 2025)
| Airline | Passenger Increase |
|---|---|
| Swiss | +4,687 |
| Lufthansa | +3,499 |
| Air Montenegro | +1,797 |
| LOT Polish Airlines | +1,024 |
| Air Serbia | +1,007 |
Overall Decline in Passenger Traffic Observed
Ljubljana Airport experienced an overall decrease in scheduled passenger traffic in Q1 2025. The reduction was largely driven by airlines temporarily suspending operations during the winter season and cutting flight frequencies on existing routes.
