INTERNATIONAL. Global passenger traffic increased +5.8% year-on-year in October, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The performance represented a slowdown on the +7.1% growth recorded in September but was still broadly in line with 10-year averages, IATA said. Capacity grew +6.3% and load factor slid 0.4 percentage points to 80.1%.
“Passenger demand growth in October was consistent with long-term trends but represented a deterioration compared to September,” said IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.
“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.”
International passenger demand rose +5.9% in October, with airlines in all regions recording increases.
In Asia Pacific growth was +7%. “The strong upward trend in seasonally-adjusted traffic has slowed in recent months, although it is too soon to determine whether this is an actual weakening or just a brief pause,” noted IATA. “On the other hand the Asia-to-Europe market, which is highly sensitive to shock events, is continuing to recover.”
Demand climbed +5.7% in Europe and appears to be returning to normal after the disruption caused by terrorism and political instability earlier this year, according to IATA.
Middle East carriers experienced a +7% rise in demand, the slowest pace for the region in 18 months. The timing of regional celebrations could have affected the results, IATA said.
In North America, traffic was up +2.4%, the lowest among the regions. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, passenger volumes have still risen at an annualised rate of around +5% since March, IATA noted.
International traffic was up +7.1% in Latin America, “supported by robust demand for international traffic within the region”.
In Africa traffic growth slowed to +5.8%, from +9.1% in September. IATA said economic conditions in parts of the continent remain challenging.
