In February, Tallinn Airport provided services to 25,059 passengers, representing just 12% of the number of passengers last February. Average seat occupancy on flights was 47%.
According to Eero Pärgmäe, the Commercial Director of Tallinn Airport, the low number of passengers reflects the sense of responsibility of people. “Given a situation where the infection rates are high everywhere in Europe and a self-isolation requirement applies in most of the countries when entering into or returning from the destination, increased travelling is still not justified. Today one should take a trip only in case of an emergency and we at the airport continue our work to make sure that minimal connections are available at all times. While in the same period last year we had 28 routes open, then this February only 11. At the same time, such number of routes reflects the current situation in aviation and we are happy even about this number of operating routes,” Pärgmäe said.
However, as Pärgmäe notes, the airlines and the airport estimate that the flight and passenger numbers will start recovering gradually in summer months. “The airlines can’t wait to start flying again. Last week brought us positive news, when SWISS (as a new carrier) announced of the opening of a route between Zurich and Tallinn in June.
In February, there were flights to 11 destinations. Most passengers flew on the Helsinki and Frankfurt routes which altogether made more than one-half of the volume of all regular flights. There were eight airlines servicing the passengers, including two on domestic routes.
In February, the number of flight operations was 1118, which is 65% less compared to February 2020.
When travelling, we advise keeping the following in mind:
- Stay up to date with possible travel restrictions in your country of destination – consult the Reisi Targalt website lor the ReOpen portal of the European Union, and, if necessary, contact the foreign mission of the country of destination for details.
- Register your trip at the Foreign Ministry’s Reisi Targalt website to allow the ministry to notify you of possible travel restrictions.
- If you show symptoms of illness, please postpone your trip and contact your GP.
- Obtain travel insurance and carefully read the conditions of your insurance (including for travel interruptions caused by COVID-19).
- In the country of destination, follow the instructions of local authorities and keep up to date with possible new restrictions.
- When returning from a trip, fill in the electronic passenger locator form. The form can be filled in by persons with Estonian identification code as well as foreigners arriving in the country and it can be filled at the earliest 24 hours before arriving in Estonia.
- On your return, follow the rules introduced in Estonia, monitor your health, and if you suspect you have been infected with the virus, contact your GP.
Starting from 1 September, all passengers arriving in the country via the airport can take a free initial coronavirus test at the airport (it is free for Estonian citizens, foreigners can take the test for a fee).
