(05 May 2022, 12:28 +07)
IATA has reported that traffic in March 2022, measured in revenue
passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 76% compared to March 2021.
Although the increase is lower than the 115.9% rise in February
year-on-year demand, volumes in March were the closest to 2019
pre-pandemic levels, at 41% below.
Domestic traffic during the month was up 11.7% compared
to the same month last year, far below the 59.4% year-on-year
improvement recorded in February. This was largely a result of the
Omicron-related lockdowns in China. March domestic RPKs were down
23.2% versus March 2019.
International RPKs rose 285.3% versus March 2021,
exceeding the 259.2% gain experienced in February versus the
year-earlier period. Most regions boosted their performance
compared to the prior month, led by carriers in Europe. March 2022
international RPKs were down 51.9% compared to the same month in
2019.
Malaysia Airlines A350-900 reg: 9M-MAD. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com
“With barriers to travel coming down in most
places, we are seeing the long-expected surge in pent-up demand
finally being realized,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director
General. “Unfortunately, we are also seeing long delays at many
airports with insufficient resources to handle the growing
numbers. This must be addressed urgently to avoid frustrating
consumer enthusiasm for air travel.”
Asia-Pacific airlines reported an 197.1% rise in March
traffic compared to March 2021, up over the 146.5% gain registered
in February 2022 versus February 2021. While China and Japan
remain restrictive to foreign visitors, other countries are
becoming more relaxed, including South Korea, New Zealand,
Singapore and Thailand. Capacity rose 70.7% and…