Global air passenger demand fell 0.8% in Aug, with geopolitical instability and higher energy prices raising concerns about the outlook for international travel, show the latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
International passenger demand slipped 0.9% year-on-year, while overall capacity remained flat and the global passenger load factor slipped 0.8 percentage points to 85% for the month under review.
However, excluding the Middle Eastern carriers, international demand increased 1.3% year-on-year for Aug.
Middle Eastern airlines recorded a 14.6% contraction in demand for Aug, reversing the gradual recovery seen in previous months, says IATA.
North American carriers also reported weaker performance, down 2.2%, while Asia Pacific and Europe were up 1.4% and 0.7%, respectively.
Latin America and the Caribbean delivered the strongest regional performance for Aug, says IATA, with demand up 5.3% year-on-year, followed by Africa, up 4.4%.
. . . Growth Tipped
IATA chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen says higher energy prices and geopolitical instability could impact travellers’ purchasing power and influence future travel decisions.
However, forward schedules indicate cautious optimism, with available seats expected to grow 2% in Oct.
The figures point to a mixed outlook across key long-haul markets. Asia Pacific demand remains positive overall, but weaker international traffic in parts of Asia and North America, alongside Middle East disruption, could influence traveller choices and flight availability.
Global Aug domestic air demand fell 0.5% year-on-year; however, demand for Australia was up 2.3%, and to China, up 5.8%.
IATA says the coming months will provide a clearer indication of whether economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty are prompting travellers to reconsider their travel budgets.
