Global air travel grows 31.2% annually in October

By Tuba Ongun

Global air traffic ramped up by 31.2% year-on-year in October, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) data on Tuesday.

Total air traffic – measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs – almost caught up to its pre-coronavirus levels, reaching 98.2% of its October 2019 level.

"October’s strong result brings the industry ever closer to completing the post-pandemic traffic recovery," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

Led by China's triple-digit growth rate, domestic traffic surged 33.7% from a year ago in October. This was up 4.8% from its pre-virus level.

International traffic increased 29.7% at an annualized pace in October, with all markets posting double-digit gains.

Despite the strong hike, international RPKs could make only its 94.4% of October 2019 levels.

"In particular, Asia Pacific carriers’ international demand is 19.5% behind 2019. This could reflect the late lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in parts of the region as well as commercial developments and political tensions," said Walsh.

Global demand for air cargo, measured in cargo ton-kilometers, edged up by 3.8% compared to October 2022.

Capacity – measured in available cargo ton-kilometers – rose 13.1% in the same period.