Airlines in the Middle East saw strong passenger demand as traffic more than doubled in September compared to the same period last year, according to data published by IATA.
The increase came amid global economic uncertainty and is a signpost to returning confidence for the aviation sector.
Demand for travel on Middle East airlines can be measured in revenue passenger kilometres and the figure was 149.7% up on the previous year.
Airlines witness passenger growth
As the world continues to emerge from the global coronavirus pandemic airlines in most regions saw an increase in passenger traffic. Asia-Pacific saw the most gains, with a 464.8% increase in demand. European carriers saw a more modest rise of 78.3%.
“Even with economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the demand for air transport continues to recover ground,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
China was a major market to buck the growth trend as it maintains tight controls on borders amid concerns over coronavirus.
“The outlier is still China with its pursuit of a zero COVID strategy keeping borders largely closed and creating a demand roller coaster ride for its domestic market, with September being down 46.4% on the previous year,” said Walsh.
“That is in sharp contrast to the rest of Asia-Pacific, which, despite China’s dismal performance, posted a 464.8% increase for international traffic compared to the year-ago period”.
Last week IATA published data saying that airline passengers are happier with the service from airlines than they were before the Covid pandemic struck.
Follow us on
