Operating data from connected ground support equipment is providing a new look at activity levels across Italian and European airports during the first half of 2026.

An analysis by Targa Telematics found the median daily operating hours of connected GSE in Italy declined 4.24% during the first six months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

The analysis is based on data collected from airport service equipment connected through Targa Telematics' technology. The equipment includes passenger stairs and buses, baggage carts, loading and unloading equipment, tractors and ground power units.

Monthly results in Italy varied considerably during the first half of the year. GSE operating hours increased 0.9% in January and 2% in February before declining 1.5% in March and 6.7% in April.

Activity stabilized in May and increased 1.5% in June compared with the same month in 2025.

Targa Telematics noted that year-over-year comparisons also were affected by calendar differences, including the timing of Easter and Italian public holidays.

The April decline was not limited to Italy. Across the company's European dataset, GSE operating hours fell approximately 4% compared with April 2025.

Differences between individual countries were more pronounced. Germany recorded a 6.8% decline in median equipment operating hours, influenced in part by national strikes, while France recorded a 22.49% decrease.

Targa Telematics said the results point toward a gradual normalization of airport activity following the rapid post-pandemic recovery.

The company manages data from more than 4.5 million connected assets across multiple industries and provides digital fleet management technology for airport GSE and service vehicles.