European Carriers Posted a 38.5% Traffic Increase in March 2023, IATA Reveals
Moreover, the capacity of European carriers increased by 27.0 per cent, and the load factor rose to 79.4 per cent – the second lowest among the regions.
According to IATA, despite this not being a sharp rise, it is predicted that the number of people using European carriers will continue to increase and reach a record high in the next few months, especially during summer, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
IATA also disclosed data on the total air traffic. The Association said that the total air traffic in March 2023 increased by 52.4 per cent compared to the same month last year,
The same revealed that traffic is currently at 88.0 per cent globally compared to the pre-pandemic period – March 2019.
As for domestic traffic, data shows that it increased by 34.1 per cent compared to the same period last year and reached 98.9 per cent of the March 2019 level.
On the other hand, international traffic registered a more significant increase. According to IATA, international air traffic rose 68.9 per cent compared to March 2022, with all markets worldwide registering a “healthy growth”.
“The calendar year first quarter ended on a strong note for air travel demand. Domestic markets have been near their pre-pandemic levels for months. And for international travel, two key waypoints were topped,” the statement of IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, reads.
Walsh further said ticket sales for domestic as well as international travel give every indication that strong growth in air travel will continue into the peak this summer, suggesting that a high number of travellers have already planned their next trip and purchased their flight ticket.
Of all airlines throughout the world, it has been revealed that the Asia-Pacific airlines had the highest increase in March 2023 traffic compared to the same month last year – 283.1 per cent.
The Asia-Pacific airlines started to register an increase in the number of travellers as soon as the travel restrictions in the region got lifted. Moreover, the capacity of these airlines rose 161.5 per cent, and the load factor increased to 84.5 per cent – the second highest among the regions.
Middle Eastern airlines saw a slightly more notable increase compared to European carriers. According to figures, Middle Eastern airlines registered a 43.1 per cent traffic increase compared to March 2022, and their capacity increased to 79.4 per cent.
In addition to the above-mentioned, North American carriers’ air traffic increased by 51.5 per cent in March 2023, and their capacity also increased to 84.8 per cent.
Latin American and African airlines traffic also rose in March 2023 compared to the same month last year. Airlines of these two regions registered a 36.5 per cent and a 71.7 per cent increase, respectively.
