85 pc of European flights were direct due to shorter distances and smaller aircraft: BCD
Based on BCD client data for flights and car rentals from 2024, travel management company BCD Travel, based in the Netherlands says that Germany has retained its position as the most visited country for European business travellers.
In a press statement, BCD Travel says that according to its annual Cities & Trends Europe 2025 Report, the United States remains the world’s top business travel destination.
The statement adds that European business travel patterns have remained stable compared to the previous year. Among cities, Stockholm in Sweden moved up one position, placing Belgian capital Brussels in the 10th place. Western Europe saw business travel growth driven mainly by real estate activities, followed by arts, entertainment, and recreation.
BCD Travel says that Dubai secured third place in the intercontinental list. Additionally, Qatar and Singapore switched positions. Meanwhile, supported by eased restrictions, demand, economic recovery, and government initiatives, China recorded an increase in business travel.
It also says that it identifies London as the leading European hub, with eight of the 10 busiest European flight routes connected to the city. For intercontinental routes, London to New York City remains the busiest. Among international arrival hubs, New York City is the most used.
It also says that Italy showed the strongest increase in inbound business travel within Europe, which was supported by its economic recovery during the second half of 2024 and expanded flight operations by airlines.
As per a press statement, BCD Travel states that in terms of cabin class, 92 pc of European business travellers booked economy class, while 7 pc opted for business class. For intercontinental flights, bookings were evenly split between economy and business class, with premium economy and first class accounting for fewer bookings.
“On intra-European flights, there are several reasons why most travellers book economy outside of just being mandated by the travel policy. The comfort difference between business and economy is often perceived as insignificant on short-haul flights and many business travellers benefit already from frequent flyer services like lounge access and priority boarding, even in economy,” says Olivier Benoit, Senior Vice President BCD Travel, Advito.
It also adds that 85 pc of European flights were direct due to shorter distances and smaller aircraft, while only 52 pc of intercontinental flights were direct, as these are structured around key airline hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London.
“For travel managers, the return on investment is much higher on economy tickets. They are often half the price of business fares, and 70 pc of these flights are less than two hours. On such short flights, a traveller’s productivity level won’t differ much between economy and business class,” adds Benoit.
According to BCD Travel, due to convenience, speed, limited alternatives, and price, 21 pc of European air bookings included a rental car, with an average usage of four days.
“Although the geopolitical landscape will remain subject to rapid change and complexity, posing concerns for travellers and their companies, the global economy has delivered upside surprises in 2024. Global business travel growth over the past year surpassed expectations, paving the way for continued momentum in 2025,” says Michèle Lawley, Regional President, Europe, BCD Travel.
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