Transport activity in Corsica in 2024 showed diverging trends across sectors, according to the  annual figures published recently.

Maritime passenger traffic, excluding cruise passengers, remained volatile throughout the year, with notable growth during the high summer season. August (+6.7%) and December (+2.6%) recorded increases year-on-year, while some shoulder months, such as September (–0.2%) and November (0.2%), were largely stable. Total maritime passenger flows still performed better than air, which saw several months of decline, particularly September (–0.3%) and October (–10.9%).

Freight transport by sea saw sharper fluctuations. Tonnage of goods (excluding tare) dropped heavily in June (–26.6%) and October (–12.4%) but rebounded in December (+16.7%), reflecting the ongoing instability in cargo demand.

Air travel was hit hardest, with several months recording steep year-on-year declines, notably October (–10.9%) and April (–7.0%). Nevertheless, August (+8%) and December (+7%) confirmed the continuing strength of peak holiday periods.

The mixed performance highlights an ongoing sensitivity to seasonal demand patterns and wider economic conditions, particularly for freight and air travel. Maritime passenger transport remains relatively resilient, boosted by summer tourism flows.

Air passenger traffic started slightly down in January (–1.9%), rose sharply in February (+12.4%), but dropped significantly in March (–15.7%).

Maritime passenger traffic was weak in January (–1.3%) and plunged in February (–22%), before rebounding in March (+17.1%).

Freight transport by sea remained negative throughout the quarter, with modest declines each month.

The first quarter reflects a highly unstable start to the year, with strong weather or economic effects likely distorting February and March results. March’s maritime rebound may indicate a recovery, but freight remains under pressure.