BRATISLAVA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The number of commercial flights in Slovakia rose 37 percent year-on-year in August, the fastest growth among European Union member states, the News Agency of the Slovak Republic reported Saturday.
According to data released by Eurostat, Slovakia's increase far outpaced the EU average of 2.3 percent, followed by Malta at 12.4 percent and Estonia at 8.3 percent. Meanwhile, the number of flights fell in eight EU countries, with Austria down 4.7 percent and Germany 2.4 percent, for example.
The Slovak Transport Ministry attributed the growth mainly to the resumption of a domestic air route linking Bratislava and Kosice. The Bratislava-Kosice route was restored last year after a seven-year suspension and is currently operated daily by airline Wizz Air. The route has drawn increased passenger traffic, new air services and additional destinations at both airports.
M. R. Stefanik Airport in Bratislava ended last year in profit and continues to break all-time records in 2026, while Kosice Airport is reporting record growth and the best global connectivity in its history.
"For many years, Slovakia suffered because our two airports operated independently of each other. The Bratislava-Kosice route has integrated them into a single system, and the result is visible across Europe. We'll work very actively to ensure that the growth of our airports continues," said Transport Minister Jozef Raz.
