INTERNATIONAL. Year-on-year global passenger traffic rose +6.3% in October, according to figures released today by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
This represented a rise of +0.8% on September’s figures, which had marked an eight-month low. Capacity grew +6.3% and load factor remained flat at 81.1%.
Asia Pacific and Europe led the rise in traffic in international passenger markets, with revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) gaining +7.6% and +7.4% respectively.
In the Middle East, demand rose +4.4%, making it the slowest-performing region for seven of the past 12 months. Geopolitical tensions, travel restrictions and policy measures such as a ban on portable electronic devices have had an effect on passenger traffic, according to IATA.
Traffic for North American airlines climbed +5.9%, boosted by the strong US economy.
IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre du Juniac said: “October’s healthy performance is reassuring after the slower demand growth in September – some of which was attributable to weather-related disruptions.
“However, the bigger picture is that traffic growth has moderated compared to earlier in the year, reflecting a more mixed economic backdrop and reduced demand stimulation from lower fares.
“Demand for air travel is strong as we head into the holiday travel season. Trade wars and uncertainty around the political and economic impact of Brexit remain concerns but the recent easing of fuel prices is a welcome development.”
