Global air passenger traffic surges...

Middle Eastern carriers show strong growth in latest IATA figures

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 4.9% year-on-year increase in demand with capacity up 5.6% when compared to the same time last year.

The total global passenger demand increased 8.6% in August compared to the same period last year, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for August.

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 8.6% compared to August 2023.

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 6.5% year-on-year. The August load factor was 86.2%, up 1.6 percentage points on August 2023 and a new record high.

International demand rose 10.6% compared to August 2023. Capacity was up 10.1% year-on-year and domestic demand rose 5.6% compared to the same period a year ago.

“The market for air travel is hot and airlines are doing a great job at meeting the growing demand for travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

“Looking ahead, the continued strong demand growth signals that we could be fast approaching an infrastructure capacity crunch that would restrict connectivity and choice for passengers and businesses.”

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in August 2024 compared to August 2023. Ticket sales in May-July for travel in August-September showed a 6.6% year-on-year increase.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 19.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 18.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.2%, up 0.8 percentage points on August 2023. Asia-Pacific is now eight percentage points from full recovery to pre-pandemic volumes.

European carriers saw a 9.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 8.5% year-on-year. Europe-Asia routes were by far the fastest-growing, though the market is still well below its 2019 peak.

For more information, visit www.iata.org

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