Bilbao Airport Surpasses 740,000 Passengers in a Single Month for the First Time

Despite an unfavorable international climate, 'La Paloma' continues to show strong growth.

Exterior view of Bilbao Airport (La Paloma) terminal building with a clear blue sky and modern architecture.
IA

Exterior view of Bilbao Airport (La Paloma) terminal building with a clear blue sky and modern architecture.

Bilbao Airport, also known as 'La Paloma', has set a new record with 741,855 passengers in May, marking the first time it has exceeded 700,000 travelers in a single month.

Bilbao Airport, also referred to as 'La Paloma', recorded 741,855 passengers in May, its highest monthly figure to date. This marks the first time Loiu has surpassed the 700,000 customer threshold. The previous record was set in July 2025, with 690,201 travelers.
This growth is particularly noteworthy when compared to May 2025, a period when the airport served as the gateway for tens of thousands of fans attending the Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United. This past May, the European rugby finals provided a counterbalancing event. Although many fans traveled by car from Bordeaux, there was also significant movement of charter and private flights from Ireland, London, and other parts of France.
Regarding travel types, domestic passenger numbers increased by 4.2% to 383,730. International passenger traffic saw a rise of 14.1%, reaching 356,909. Year-to-date, 'La Paloma' has advanced by 8.3%, positioning it to potentially break its annual record of 7.06 million customers set in 2025.
Air traffic operations also saw an increase in May, with 5,590 landing and takeoff movements, representing a 1.7% rise.