IATA: MARCH PASSENGER TRAFFIC DOWN

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that passenger traffic fell in March 2021 compared to pre-COVID levels (March 2019) but rose compared to the immediate month prior (February 2021).

Firstly, the total demand for air travel in March 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 67.2% compared to March 2019 - an improvement over the 74.9% decline recorded in February 2021 versus February 2019.

The better performance was driven by gains in domestic markets, particularly China. International traffic remained largely restricted.

Figures also showed that secondly, international passenger demand in March was 87.8% below March 2019, a very small improvement from the 89.0% decline recorded in February 2021 versus two years ago.

Lastly, data revealed that total domestic demand was down 32.3% versus pre-crisis levels (March 2019), greatly improved over February 2021, when domestic traffic was down 51.2% versus the 2019 period.

All markets except Brazil and India showed improvement compared to February 2021, with China being the key contributor, as already noted.

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