The latest global passenger traffic figures provide a stark reminder of the impact on global aviation since the coronavirus (Covid-19) surfaced.

Data released by ACI World today (25 March) shows traffic grew by 1.9% in January – down from +4.9% a month prior (Covid-19 was first detected in December) – with growth on a 12-month rolling average at +2.9%.

Asia Pacific was already in negative growth territory in January, declining by 1.8% due to the sizeable shift in domestic traffic (-3.6%), says ACI World.

PAIN ‘COULD CONTINUE INTO NEXT YEAR’

Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World said: “These figures show that the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on aviation was rapid, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The aviation industry is facing unprecedented upheaval due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the situation calls for an exceptional policy response to ensure the continuity and sustainability of airport operations.

“Airport operators are prioritising the health of passengers and staff first and foremost and, while it is hoped that the global health crisis will recede well before the year ends, it is possible that the economic impact could persist into 2021.

“The financial cost to the global industry in 2020 is rapidly growing. This is a fast-moving and ever-changing crisis and governments must act decisively and quickly.”

ACI has urged the aviation sector and governments to work closely to absorb the impacts and to devise ‘fair and reasonable’ solutions to ensure a ‘swift and balanced recovery’.

International passenger traffic worldwide rose moderately in January (+2.7%) against slightly higher growth on a 12-month rolling basis (+3.8%).

With the exception of Latin America-Caribbean (-1.5%), international traffic showed bright spots in the Middle East (+6.1%), Europe (+3.6%) and Africa (+7.8%), while North America (+1.1%) and Asia Pacific (+1%) returned more muted performances.

Domestic traffic was more stagnant (+1.3%), on the one hand impeded by the downturn in Asia Pacific (-3.6%) and Europe (-1.5%) but on the other hand it benefitted from North America’s strong domestic market (+4.8%).

All charts courtesy of ACI World.