In this IELTS Writing Task 1, we will analyze the changes in the number of travelers using the three major German airports: Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2023.
| Year | Frankfurt Airport | Munich Airport | Berlin Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69.5 million | 46.3 million | 34.2 million |
| 2019 | 70.6 million | 47.9 million | 35.1 million |
| 2020 | 18.8 million | 11.1 million | 9.6 million |
| 2021 | 24.8 million | 17.1 million | 14.3 million |
| 2022 | 48.9 million | 31.6 million | 22.3 million |
| 2023 | 59.3 million | 39.7 million | 28.5 million |
Overview
The data reflects a significant fluctuation, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a gradual recovery. Frankfurt consistently remained the busiest, while Berlin lagged behind both Frankfurt and Munich.
Frankfurt Airport
- In 2018, Frankfurt saw 69.5 million travelers, and this increased slightly to 70.6 million in 2019.
- The pandemic dramatically reduced travel numbers to 18.8 million in 2020.
- A recovery is evident in the following years, with 24.8 million in 2021, 48.9 million in 2022, and reaching 59.3 million by 2023.
Munich Airport
- Munich started at 46.3 million travelers in 2018, growing to 47.9 million in 2019.
- In 2020, this dropped sharply to 11.1 million, before recovering to 17.1 million in 2021.
- In 2023, Munich reached 39.7 million, still below pre-pandemic levels but showing strong growth.
Berlin Airport
- Berlin experienced the lowest traveler numbers, starting with 34.2 million in 2018 and rising slightly to 35.1 million in 2019.
- The COVID-19 pandemic reduced Berlin’s traffic to 9.6 million in 2020.
- Recovery followed with 14.3 million in 2021 and 22.3 million in 2022, culminating at 28.5 million in 2023.
Comparison
- Frankfurt remains the largest hub, with the fastest recovery, while Munich and Berlin are steadily rebounding but still remain behind.
- 2020 was the most affected year across all airports, with more than 70% declines in travelers due to the pandemic.
- Post-pandemic recovery has been stronger at Frankfurt, which by 2023 regained over 80% of its 2019 levels, while Munich and Berlin are still catching up.
Conclusion
The trends clearly demonstrate the severe impact of the pandemic on air travel and the varying recovery rates across German airports. Although Frankfurt remains dominant, all airports are gradually regaining traveler numbers, with strong upward trends post-2021.
