Air travel edges closer to 2019 levels, latest Iata figures show

Iata said international traffic stood at 77% of January 2019 levels last month despite a strong recovery “led by carriers in the Asia-Pacific region”. Domestic travel has now all but reached 2019 levels, sitting at 97%.

Willie Walsh, Iata director general, said: “Air travel demand is off to a very healthy start in 2023. The rapid removal of Covid-19 restrictions for Chinese domestic and international travel bodes well for the continued strong industry recovery from the pandemic throughout the year. 

“And, importantly, we have not seen the many economic and geopolitical uncertainties of the day dampening demand for travel.”

Iata said European carriers had seen a 60.6% traffic increase last month versus January 2022. Capacity rose 30% and load factors 14 percentage points to 75%.

Walsh added the outlook in Europe was promising. “With strong travel demand continuing through the traditionally slower winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, the stage is set for an even busier spring and summer,” he said.

However, he added it was “especially disappointing” the Dutch government had imposed capacity restrictions at Schiphol airport for environmental reasons.