Major boost for air travel recovery during peak season
Passenger data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows air traffic was even closer to pre-pandemic levels
IATA has announced passenger data for August 2022, revealing that global, domestic and international traffic is increasing and approaching pre-pandemic numbers.
Measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), total traffic globally was up 67.7 per cent compared to August 2021, meaning global traffic is at 73.7 per cent of pre-Covid levels. Domestic traffic in August 2022 had increased by 26.5 per cent in comparison to the same period last year, and was at 85.4 per cent of the August 2019 level. Internationally, the annual increase was 115.6 per cent, with the international RPKs for August 2022 at 67.4 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Airlines in Asia delivered the strongest year-on-year growth rates.
“The Northern Hemisphere peak summer travel season finished on a high note. Considering the prevailing economic uncertainties, travel demand is progressing well. And the removal or easing of travel restrictions at some key Asian destinations, including Japan, will certainly accelerate the recovery in Asia. The mainland of China is the last major market retaining severe Covid-19 entry restrictions,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.
In the international passenger markets, airlines from every region had an increase. Asia-Pacific airlines August 2022 traffic numbers grew 449.2 per cent compared to August 2021. Although, while the region experienced the strongest year-over-year growth, travel restrictions remain in China, limiting the overall recovery for Asia.
European carriers’ traffic rose 78.8 per cent this August, compared to last year. Airlines in the Middle East had a 144.9 per cent increase; North American carriers saw a 110.4 per cent increase in traffic; Latin American airlines had a 102.5 per cent rise; and traffic levels for carriers in Africa experienced a 69.5 per growth. International traffic between Africa and neighbouring regions is close to pre-pandemic levels.
Domestic passenger markets have all seen year-on-year growth. The notable increase was in Australia, at 449 per cent. Growth in the US is hampered by supply constraints, so the numbers rose only seven per cent between August 2021 and 2022.
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