Passenger Growth Slows but Freight Bounces Back: ACI 

Data analysed and published by Airports Council International (ACI) World has found a 5.4% increase in global passenger traffic on a year-on-year basis in July.

Year-to-date growth for the industry’s passenger market reached 6.4% during the period, down from 6.6% in June, following a slight moderation trend which started at the end of the first quarter of the year.

Freight volumes benefitted from a small uptrend in July, growing by 3.2% compared to June’s 2.3%.

Year-to-date figure growth for the global industry reached 4.5% during the period, from 4.8% at the end of the second quarter of this year.

Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World: “The global aviation industry achieved particularly strong results in 2017.

“Although 2018 figures up to July remain robust, achieving similar results may prove difficult this year.”

“Furthermore, it is clear that trade tensions around the world are starting to take their toll on global exports.

Middle East September Air Freight Traffic Grows Fastest Globally

“International passenger traffic, which had been benefitting from a significant upsurge since the start of the year, slowed down in July. This brought the segment’s growth rate closer to the results posted by the domestic market. .”

The Middle East’s passenger market, seemingly heading for an annual decline up to June, has been picking up speed since then.

The region posted a 6.9% increase in July, after a surprisingly high 8.5% one month prior.

The two strong months boosted its year-to-date growth to 1.7% by the end of the month, from -0.8% in May.

In line with its passenger traffic, the Middle East’s freight market rebounded in July, after posting a decline of 1.2% in June.

Year-over-year growth reached 3.2%, keeping the region’s year-to-date figure above the zero percent mark, at 0.7%. It had reached 0.2% in June.

As has been the case since the start of the year, the region’s outlook remained uncertain by the end of July.

Read More: IATA Calls on Middle East to Strengthen Air Sector