Despite the current political headwinds, air passenger demand remains buoyant, according to the latest figures from airline association IATA.
Its figures showed that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometres, or RPKs) rose 5.8% compared to the same month last year. At the same time, capacity (in terms of available seat kilometres, or ASKs) grew 6.3%.
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's director general and CEO, said, "Passenger demand growth in October was consistent with long-term trends but represented a deterioration compared to September. While the negative traffic impact from terror attacks and political instability in parts of the world has receded, the long downward trend in yield - which helped to stimulate travel - has levelled off. Furthermore, the recent OPEC agreement to restrict oil production suggests fuel prices have ended their slide."
Our chart this week shows where demand is coming from around the world.
Source: IATA
Demand grew fastest in Asia Pacific, where it was up by 9.2%, compared to an increase in capacity of 8.5%. "The Asia-to-Europe market, which is highly sensitive to shock events, is continuing to recover," said IATA.
Looking domestically, the standout markets were India and China, where demand grew by 22.7% and 14.1% year on year respectively.
IATA says the growth in demand is due to "supported by significant growth in real consumer spending and increases in the number of airport pairs served".
Average load factors around the world remain high, as airlines continue to hone their revenue management strategies.