Global passenger traffic sees 5-year high for start of 2017

Global passenger traffic spiked 10 percent in January 2017 compared to 2016. Image: Michal Krakowiak/Istock.com via AFP Relaxnews

The year 2017 is off to a strong start, with global passenger traffic showing a 9 percent spike in January compared to the same time last year, says the International Air Transport Association.

The growth in passenger traffic marks a five-year high, thanks largely to the Lunar New Year celebrations which fell in January this year, compared to February in 2016.

But it’s not all because of the spring festival, which sets off the largest human migration every year, that air travel rose.

European carriers also posted an 8 percent climb in international traffic in January. The Middle East recorded its strongest year-over-year growth in January, at 14 percent.

Traffic likewise climbed in Latin America by 8 percent, and in Africa by 6 percent.

North American airlines posted the slowest demand growth, with traffic rising 3 percent compared to the same period last year.

“2017 is off to a very strong start, with demand at levels not seen since 2011,” said IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac. “This is supported by the upturn in the global economic cycle and a return to a more normal environment after the terrorism and political ‘shock’ events seen in early 2016.” JB