In November, global air travel reaches 99.1% of pre-virus levels

According to the air transport agency, total aviation traffic is growing at an annualized rate of 29.7%.

According to sectoral group figures released on Wednesday, global air traffic in November 2023 achieved 99.1% of its pre-coronavirus level.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total air traffic climbed 29.7% year over year in November, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs.

“We are getting closer to exceeding the peak year for air travel in 2019.” “Economic headwinds are not deterring people from flying,” said Willie Walsh, director general of IATA.

Domestic traffic grew 34.8% year on year in November, owing to a strong rebound in China and strong Thanksgiving holiday demand in the United States.

According to the IATA announcement, domestic traffic in November 2023 was 6.7% higher than in November 2019.

International traffic increased by 26.4% year on year, with RPKs reaching 94.5% of November 2019 levels.

In the month, all markets improved, with the Asia-Pacific region having the best year-over-year performance.

Separate IATA data released on Tuesday revealed that global demand for air freight, measured in cargo ton-kilometers, increased by 8.3% from November 2022 to November 2023.

In November 2023, capacity (measured in available cargo ton-kilometers) increased 13.7% over the previous year.