The Spanish Airlines Association (ALA) has revealed that the country expects an increase in the number of flights during the winter months, exceeding the figures recorded during the pre-pandemic period in 2019.

According to Reuters, ALA President Javier Gándara said about 1.9% more domestic and international flights are planned for this winter period, from November to March compared to 2019.

In addition, it was noted that the flights planned for the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands are currently 10% higher than two years ago.

Therefore, if the numbers continue on this positive trend and if more people choose Spain as their holiday destination, the country’s air traffic may soon reach the level recorded in 2019, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.

Last month, the Spanish government announced that more than five million international passengers reached the country in August 2021, marking an increase of 172% from the same month in 2020.

Spain has seen an increase in the number of international passengers from all major source countries, with the UK being the top market for the first time in 2021. In August, 821,853 Britons reached Spain, which means that the number of passengers has tripled compared to last year.

With the exception of the United Kingdom, the second country of origin was Germany, with more than 803,000 passengers, whose main destination was the Balearic Islands.

As for the September figures, according to the latest data provided by the Spanish Statistical Institute (INE), overnight stays in hotel establishments in Spain have increased by 212.1% compared to the same month in 2020.

“During the month of September, overnight stays in hotel establishments exceeded 25.6 million, or 212.1% more than in the same month of 2020”, the INE statement reads.

Like the other months, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and the region of Andalusia were the main destinations for international travelers.

“In September, 52.2% of available places were covered, with an annual increase of 96.3%. Weekend bed occupancy increased 77.4 percent to 60.6 percent, ” INE added.

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Previously, International Air Transport (IATA) warned that increased costs announced by airports and air navigation service providers would delay the resumption of air transport and harm international connectivity and customers.