The ongoing post-Covid recovery of global air passenger travel increased into the traditionally slow autumn months, boding well for the winter season, according to aviation industry group the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Total global passenger traffic increased by 44.6% in October, on a year-on-year basis, according to IATA’s latest set of figures.
Globally, air passenger traffic now stands at 74.2% of pre-pandemic October 2019 levels.
Global domestic air travel bookings slipped year-on-year, dragged down by ongoing restrictions in China, but domestic traffic is still at nearly 78% of pre-Covid levels and forward bookings remain at around 70% of pre-pandemic levels.
International traffic surged by over 102% versus October 2021.
According to IATA, European airlines saw their October traffic rise 60.8%, year-on-year, in October. North American carriers reported a near 107% year-on-year rise.
“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. It bodes well for the coming winter season and the ongoing recovery,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“People are enjoying the freedom to travel, and businesses recognise the importance of air transport to their success. A recent survey of European business leaders doing business across borders showed that 84% could not imagine doing so without access to air transport networks and 89% believed being close to an airport with global connections gave them a competitive advantage. 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,” Mr Walsh said.
