October Passenger Demand Confirms Recovery

Passenger traffic volumes measured by IATA continued to narrow the gap with its pre-pandemic performance in October, underlining that despite a worsening economic climate the recovery in air travel remains on track.

Total traffic in the month as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased by 44.6% on last year to stand at 74.2% of the level in 2019.

The equivalent figure for September this year was 73.8% of three years prior, demonstrating a month-on-month improvement.

Domestic travel RPKs slipped back slightly on account of stringent restrictions in China, yet still stood at 77.9% of October 2019’s amount.

Meanwhile international activity more than doubled against 2021, reaching 72.1% of October 2019’s level, “with all markets recording strong growth, led by Asia-Pacific,” notes IATA.

In September this year, international activity was at 69.9% of the equivalent month of 2019, again demonstrating an ongoing closing of the gap with pre-pandemic performance.

“Traditionally, by October we are into the slower autumn travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, so it is highly reassuring to see demand and forward bookings continuing to be so strong. It bodes well for the coming winter season and the ongoing recovery,” says Willie Walsh, IATA's director general.

The largest year-on-year growth in RPKs took place in the Middle East, up by 106.5%, followed by Africa on 81.1%.

Global load factors rose to 82%, an increase of 11.8 percentage points on the year.