In September, worldwide air travel was 97.3% of its pre-virus level

International flight traffic this September nearly reached pre-coronavirus levels, according to data released on Thursday. Domestic air traffic reached a new milestone for September, with traffic up 28.3% year over year, according to IATA data.

According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the percentage surpassed 97.3% of its September 2019 level.

Measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs, total air traffic increased 30.1% in September compared to the same month last year.

September saw a record high for domestic traffic, with demand rising 28.3% from the previous year and 5% above pre-virus levels.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated, “The third quarter of 2023 ended on a high note, with record domestic passenger demand for the month of September and continued strong international traffic.”

International traffic increased by 31.2% over the previous year, and RPKs were 93.1% of what they were in September 2019.

The air transport body emphasized that all markets saw double-digit percentage gains annually.

Global demand for aviation freight, as expressed in cargo ton-kilometers, increased by 1.9% from September 2022 to Wednesday, according to separate IATA data.

In terms of available cargo ton-kilometers, capacity increased by 12.1% over the previous year.