Iata has announced passenger data for August 2022, showing continued momentum in international air travel recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Total traffic in August (measured in RPKs) was up 67,7% compared with August 2021. Globally, traffic is now at 73,7% of pre-crisis levels.
Domestic traffic around the world for August 2022 was up 26,5% compared with August 2021. Total August 2022 domestic traffic was at 85,4% of the August 2019 level.
International traffic rose 115,6% vs August 2021, with airlines in Asia delivering the strongest year-over-year growth rates. August 2022 international RPKs reached 67,4% of August 2019 levels.
African airlines experienced a 69,5% rise in August RPKs versus a year ago. August 2022 capacity was up 45,3%. International traffic between Africa and neighbouring regions is now close to pre-pandemic levels.
“The Northern hemisphere peak summer travel season finished on a high note. Considering the prevailing economic uncertainties, travel demand is progressing well. And the removal or easing of travel restrictions at some key Asian destinations, including Japan, will certainly accelerate the recovery in Asia,” says Willie Walsh, Iata DG. “The mainland of China is the last major market retaining severe COVID-19 entry restrictions.”
Notably, Australia’s domestic traffic posted a 449% year-on-year increase and is now at 85,8% of 2019 levels.
