Competitative situation within Swedish civil aviation 2025
The Swedish Air Travel Market is Characterised by Limited Competition. Many routes are operated by only one airline, ticket prices are rising faster than for other modes of transport, and domestic air travel remains 39 per cent lower than in 2019. This is highlighted in the Swedish Transport Analysis report on the competitive situation in aviation.
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Air travel in Sweden has undergone major changes in recent years, which have affected competition. A new report, intended to become an annual publication, describes the competitive landscape of Swedish aviation.
- Air travel plays an important role in accessibility across the country. With rising prices and declining competition in the domestic market, travel opportunities are deteriorating. It also becomes harder to achieve the national transport policy goals, says Backa Fredrik Brandt, project manager for the report.
The report shows that in 2024 SAS held a market share of almost 58 per cent in domestic flights. After BRA decided to leave Bromma as an independent operator, competition has worsened further. The international market is more competitive, with several players and a strong presence of low-cost carriers. Of 172 identified routes, 57 were served by more than one operator.
Rising Domestic Airfares
Airfares within Sweden have increased faster than for other modes of transport such as rail and road. Reasons include financial deficits following the pandemic and reduced competition. At the same time, road transport costs have fallen, partly due to lower biofuel blending requirements and fuel taxes.
Arlanda retains its position as the second largest Nordic capital airport. This pattern has remained consistent over the past 15 years regardless of measurement method. Copenhagen continues to dominate in the Nordic region, partly thanks to good rail connections and its role as SAS’s hub.
The report also notes that air freight has declined sharply, particularly domestically, and that digitalisation and changing consumer habits have influenced the role of air travel. Meanwhile, climate policy instruments, requirements for sustainable aviation fuel, and geopolitics will continue to push costs upwards.
