Middle East Passenger Demand Rises in October

Middle East Passenger Demand Rises in October

Load factor slides to 69.8%

The latest figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Middle East carriers experienced a 4.4% rise in passenger traffic demand in October compared to last year, slowest among the regions for the seventh time in 12 months.

It was, however, a growth over the 3.3% increase in September.

Capacity increased 6.4%, and load factor slid 1.3 percentage points to 69.8%, lowest among regions.

Carriers have been buffeted by policy measures and geopolitical tensions in recent years, including the ban on portable electronic devices and travel restrictions.

However, while volatile, passenger volumes are trending up solidly in seasonally-adjusted terms.

Global passenger traffic results for October showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs) rose 6.3% compared to the same month last year.

Middle East September Air Freight Traffic Grows Fastest Globally

This marked a rebound from 5.5% growth recorded in September, which was an eight-month low.

Capacity also grew 6.3% and load factor was flat at 81.1%, matching last year’s record for the month.

Said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO: “Demand for air travel is strong as we head into the holiday travel season.

“Trade wars and uncertainty around the political and economic impact of Brexit remain concerns but the recent easing of fuel prices is a welcome development.

“In a few days, IATA will hold our annual Global Media Day in Geneva, bringing together more than 100 journalists and bloggers from around the world. We will present our updated economic forecast, among other topics.

“I always look forward to this opportunity to discuss and debate the key issues and initiatives facing commercial aviation with our colleagues in the media.”

Read More: Passenger Traffic Growth Slows in September

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