Global air traffic in October was up 44.6 per cent year-on-year and now stands at 74.2 per cent of October 2019 levels, according to the latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), domestic traffic in October slipped 0.8 per cent compared to a year ago and was at 77.9 per cent of October 2019 levels.
International traffic, meanwhile, more than doubled compared to October last year and reached 72.1 per cent of 2019 levels.
Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a 440 per cent rise in international
traffic compared to October 2021 as many nations reopened and removed
travel restrictions. European airlines’ international traffic climbed
60.8 per cent versus October 2021 and traffic among North American
airlines was up 106.8 per cent compared to a year ago.
“Traditionally, by October we are into the slower autumn travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, so it is highly reassuring to see demand and forward bookings continuing to be so strong,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “It bodes well for the coming winter season and the ongoing recovery,”
He continued: “People are enjoying the freedom to travel, and businesses recognise the importance of air transport to their success. Governments need to pay attention to the message that air travel is fundamental to how we live and work.
“That reality should drive policies to enable aviation to operate as efficiently as possible while supporting the industry’s 2050 Net Zero emission goals with meaningful incentives to encourage the production of sustainable aviation fuels.”