Strategy and execution
Maximise financial performance FY 2024
The year 2024 marked the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one for AdB. The investments made enabled the renewal of infrastructure, resulting in a modernized, expanded, technologically advanced, and sustainable facility, capable of connecting the airport with nearly 11 million passengers.
Aeroporto di Bologna thus reports in 2024 a consolidated profit of Euro 24.4 million, compared to 16.7 million in 2023, up 46.3%. The Gross Operating Profit (EBITDA) grow 25%: Euro 55.1 million, compared with 44.1 million in 2023, as well as the adjusted EBITDA (+25%) which amounted to Euro 53.2 million, compared to Euro 42.6 million in 2023, confirming the positive trend generated by the impressive reults registered in air traffic.
Performing and sustainable corporation FY 2024
Bologna Airport firmly embraces Sustainability as a strategic driver for the development of the airport system.
The Sustainability Plan encompasses a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at enhancing the Group’s ESG performance. Structured around the three pillars—PLANET, PEOPLE, and PROSPERITY—it defines targeted actions to promote environmental and social sustainability, with careful consideration of both the positive and negative impacts the Group may have on the environment and the socio-economic context in which it operates. The Plan also includes specific measures to reinforce a business model and value chain increasingly aligned with ESG principles, with a strong focus on governance, anti-corruption and anti-fraud practices, and the protection of human rights. Progress is tracked annually through defined Key Performance Indicators, ensuring accountability and supporting a process of continuous improvement.
Complementing the Sustainability Plan is the Innovation Plan, which encompasses a range of initiatives assigned to cross-functional teams. These initiatives focus on key areas such as Big Data & Business Intelligence, Communication, Customer Service, Cybersecurity, Technological Infrastructure, Internal Systems, and the development of relations with the airport community and local stakeholders, as well as operational technologies.
Connect FY 2024
As the operator of Bologna’s airport infrastructure, AdB provides individuals and businesses with extensive national and international connectivity. The relationship between the Group and the local area is both mutual and virtuous. On one hand, the Airport contributes to the region’s economic and social development through its offering of advanced solutions in terms of accessible destinations and service quality—particularly crucial in a globalized context that demands mobility for competitiveness, employment, and education. On the other hand, the Airport itself grows and generates value by benefiting from the development of the territory in which it operates.
In 2024, the strong growth in air traffic continued, driven by a positive global trend and resilient demand. This dynamic enabled Bologna Airport to surpass, for the first time in its history, the milestone of 10 million passengers.
AdB’s strategy remains focused on consolidating low-cost and point-to-point traffic, with particular emphasis on feeder routes and medium-to-long-haul segments.
In 2024, AdB continues to work in collaboration with local authorities and transport operators to maintain a high level of accessibility to airport facilities. Key initiatives developed over the years include: (i) the elevated monorail connection “Marconi Express”, operational since 2021; (ii) supplemental shuttle services (e.g. 944 and 949), which improve integration between the airport and public transport; and (iii) shared mobility services. Moreover, as part of the air-rail modal integration effort, from February 2025 passengers will be able to purchase a combined train ticket to Bologna Airport, including the monorail “People Mover” segment from the central railway station to the airport station.
With regard to cycling infrastructure, AdB has completed the design of a bike lane running parallel to Via del Triumvirato and has initiated discussions with local authorities to define the agreement governing the construction and ongoing maintenance of the project.
Develop FY 2024
The implementation of the investments outlined in the Masterplan and the Regulatory Agreement is instrumental to AdB’s business development. The strategy involves expanding existing infrastructure through both short- to medium-term interventions—aimed at increasing capacity and improving service levels through internal reconfigurations and limited-scale expansions—and medium- to long-term projects entailing substantial enlargements adjacent to existing facilities, which will remain fully operational.
The total amount of investments carried out in 2024 amounts to €42.6 million, including infrastructure-related projects and initiatives focused on sustainability, innovation, quality, and airport operations. Among the infrastructure investments, the main projects include the reconfiguration of the Schengen departure hall, the construction of a new multi-storey car park, the upgrade of the security and passport control area (with the installation of six new-generation, faster and more efficient screening lines, and two additional lines planned for 2025), and the renovation of the non-Schengen arrivals hall on the first floor, which will include an additional 400 sqm of space.
Regarding environmental sustainability, key initiatives include the completion of land expropriation procedures for the creation of a woodland buffer along the northern perimeter of the airport site, the installation of new photovoltaic systems and other energy efficiency measures, the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations, the purchase of new electric vehicles, and the launch of a decarbonization program for certain airport buildings.
Non-aviation revenues recorded a 7.8% increase over 2023, driven by positive traffic trends and the solid performance of all segments. This growth was also supported by the introduction of new commercial strategies and the revision of selected contractual frameworks.
Experience FY 2024
Guided by the values of customer centrality, people empowerment, and forward-looking vision, Bologna Airport strives to be one of the most modern and efficient airports in Italy—offering passengers a welcoming, highly connected facility that enhances the travel experience while creating value for the region.
In 2024, AdB continued to place service quality and customer experience at the heart of its strategy, taking into account the various factors influencing them—especially in a period marked by extensive ongoing construction works. To this end, internal discussions and consultations with stakeholders continued within the designated committees. In parallel, Extraordinary Committees were established to address the operational impacts of construction, with dedicated sessions focused on the 2024 summer and 2024–2025 winter seasons. These involved AdB, handling companies, airlines, and ENAC to promptly identify and implement mitigation measures. Additionally, collaboration continued within the QUP (Quality Under Pressure) working group, which brings together various company functions to address operational challenges linked to construction and customer experience. This group adopts a proactive approach based on the shared analysis of quality performance indicators.
Among the projects aimed at improving the passenger experience, specific initiatives have focused on families with children (e.g., a nursing area currently being developed in the new service zone of the Schengen departure hall) and enhancements to the comfort of waiting areas, including the installation of water dispensers. Further renewal and maintenance activities have been carried out in common areas, such as repainting and replacement of protective films on furnishings.
Care FY 2024
As part of the sustainable development strategy implemented through the Sustainability Plan, environmental protection—pursuing decarbonisation goals and reducing environmental impacts—and social responsibility, both in relation to employees and all stakeholders interacting with the Group, are of particular importance.
Key environmental sustainability initiatives include: (i) targeted actions and projects to reduce noise pollution, such as the introduction of night-time flight restrictions over the Bologna area, which have led to a significant reduction in night overflights, while also protecting natural resources (air and water), preserving biodiversity, and reducing both direct and indirect CO₂ emissions; (ii) the approval in 2024 by AdB’s Board of Directors of the Net Zero Carbon 2030 Plan, implemented through the Decarbonisation Plan, which has so far enabled the airport to achieve Level 4+ “Transition” accreditation under the international Airport Carbon Accreditation programme; (iii) a range of circular economy and waste management initiatives, including a collaboration with the non-profit organisation Plastic Free, a partnership with Aliplast, and an ongoing process to strengthen and optimise separate waste collection.
In terms of social sustainability, AdB has: (i) formally recognised marriage and parental leave rights for same-sex couples; (ii) responded to the needs of an increasingly diverse workplace by creating dedicated spaces for religious worship, offering suitable facilities for employees of different faiths; (iii) enhanced corporate welfare initiatives, including access to a gym at subsidised rates to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, the selection of a new catering provider for the company canteen with a focus on healthy eating, and the continued availability of a listening and support service provided by a professional psychologist, in line with previous years.
