Air Travel Recovers to 99% of Pre-Pandemic Highs in November 2023
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its latest report, showing a significant recovery in global air travel. November 2023's air travel demand almost reached the peak levels of 2019, marking a remarkable comeback for the industry.
In November 2023, total traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), surged by 29.7% compared to November 2022. This impressive growth brought global traffic to 99.1% of the levels seen in November 2019, just before the pandemic struck.
The recovery was particularly evident in international travel, which saw a 26.4% increase compared to November 2022. The Asia-Pacific region led this resurgence with a striking 63.8% year-over-year growth, bringing international RPKs to 94.5% of the November 2019 figures.
Domestic air travel also showed robust improvement, registering a 34.8% growth over November 2022. Notably, domestic traffic exceeded November 2019 levels by 6.7%. China's domestic market recorded a staggering 272% increase, a rebound from the previous year's COVID-related travel restrictions. In the United States, domestic travel, buoyed by Thanksgiving holiday demand, reached a new high, with a 9.1% increase over November 2019 levels.
IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, commented on the recovery, highlighting that despite economic challenges, the desire for air travel remains strong. He noted that international travel is rapidly closing the gap with pre-pandemic levels, while domestic markets have consistently outperformed their pre-pandemic levels since April.
This recovery is not just about numbers; it's a testament to the resilience of the aviation industry and the enduring appeal of air travel. The IATA report also underscores the sector's commitment to sustainable practices, with a focus on transitioning from jet fuel to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for decarbonisation. The industry aims for a 5% carbon saving from SAF by 2030, aligning with broader global efforts to combat climate change.
As the industry looks forward to 2024, there is optimism that governments will implement policies to further boost SAF production, supporting the aviation sector's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This recovery, therefore, is not just a return to normalcy, but a step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for air travel.
