May 2023 traffic data shows continued strong growth in air travel demand with figures nudging 2019 levels, says the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Total traffic in May 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 39.1% compared to May 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 96.1% of May 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.

The strong growth in air travel demand is continuing based on just released February 2023 traffic results, says the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Total traffic in February 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 55.5% compared to February 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 84.9% of February 2019 levels.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the recovery in air travel continued in October 2021 with broad-based improvements in both domestic and international markets. However, it warned that the imposition of travel bans by governments, against the advice of the WHO, could threaten the sector’s recovery.

Total demand for air travel in October 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 49.4% compared to October 2019. This was improved over the 53.3% fall recorded in September 2021, compared to two years earlier.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says that both international and domestic travel demand showed marginal improvements in May 2021, compared to the prior month. However it adds that recovery in international traffic in particular continues to be stymied by extensive government travel restrictions.