Global air traffic for last November has recovered back to just a shade below pre-pandemic levels, as travel demand, led by Asia Pacific, continues to grow.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total traffic in November 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 29.7% y-o-y
Globally, traffic is now at 99.1% of November 2019 levels.
According to the Geneva-based IATA on Jan 10, Asia Pacific air travel for the month was up 63.8% y-o-y, leading the other major markets.
Growth was particularly strong in China, with an increase of 272% y-o-y, as it recovered from the travel restrictions that were still in place a year ago.
US domestic travel, on the other hand, benefitted from strong Thanksgiving holidays demand, reaching a new high with a 9.1% y-o-y growth.
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“We are moving ever closer to surpassing the 2019 peak year for air travel," says Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
"Economic headwinds are not deterring people from taking to the skies," he adds.
Walsh says that aviation’s rapid recovery demonstrates just how important flying is to people and to businesses.
