New Iata data shows that air traffic recovery is off to a strong start in 2022

Posted by David Henning on 11 April 2022

The war in Ukraine did not affect air traffic demand, with passenger numbers increasing for February 2022, according to the International Transport Association (Iata).

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Although Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did not affect passenger demand, ticket prices could rise with the increasing cost of jet fuel, Iata director-general Willie Walsh said on 6 April.

Fuel tends to be the biggest single cost for the aviation industry. Walsh said: ‘It’s inevitable that these high oil prices will be reflected in higher fares, and I’ve heard a number of CEOs indicate that in recent weeks.’

Total air traffic in February 2022, measured in revenue passenger kilometres, rose 115.9% when compared to February 2021. In January 2022, traffic was 83.1% up on January 2021, Iata said.

Compared to February 2019, however, international traveller numbers were 45% lower. In 2021, international traveller numbers for the year were 27% of 2019 levels.

The demand for flying is proving to be resilient, with Walsh saying: ‘we can see the international sales continuing to pick up despite all of the issues, particularly associated with the war in Ukraine’.

Picture: Getaway Gallery

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