Global air passenger traffic plunges 94% in April: IATA

Global air passenger traffic plunged by 94.3% in April this year as compared to the same month a year ago as the coronavirus pandemic virtually shut down air travel across the world, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said.

“This is a rate of decline never seen in the history of IATA’s traffic series, which dates back to 1990,” said a press release from the organisation that has around 300 airlines as its members.

“Passenger demand in April plunged 94.3% compared to April 2019, as the Covid-19-related travel restrictions virtually shut down domestic and international air travel,” the airlines body said.

“April was a disaster for aviation as air travel almost entirely stopped. But April may also represent the nadir of the crisis. Flight numbers are increasing. Countries are beginning to lift mobility restrictions,” said IATA’s Director General and Chief Executive Alexandr de Juniac.

“Business confidence is showing improvement in key markets such as China, Germany, and the US. These are positive signs as we start to rebuild the industry from a stand-still. The initial green shoots will take time possibly years to mature, ” he added.