INTERNATIONAL. Despite the weak global economy, the Iraq war and the SARS outbreak, Airports Council International (ACI) reported that worldwide passenger traffic in 2003 rose +1.6% year-on-year at 3.4 billion.
Passenger traffic rose +5.5% in the Middle East, continuing its strong growth path and despite the uncertainties of the past three years. Traffic rose +4.2% in Europe and +3.8% in Africa. The North American and the Latin American/Caribbean traffic went up by +0.6% and +1.3% respectively.
Asia Pacific, which suffered the SARS outbreak and the bad press that came with it, showed a decline of only -1.0% in passenger traffic for the year.
ACI director general Robert Aaronson commented: “In tough market conditions, our members coped with diversity and finished the year very strong. We believe the industry is poised for a robust recovery in 2004.”
Atlanta Hartsfield in the US continued to be the world’s busiest airport with 79.1 million passengers and a rise of +3% compared to 2002.
Chicago O’Hare was second with 69.4 million passengers and growth of +4%.
London Heathrow registered 63.5 million passengers. But it was also the world’s busiest international gateway with 56.5 million international passengers (representing 89% of Heathrow’s total traffic).
MORE STORIES ON AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL (ACI)
ACI predicts robust recovery in 2004 – 22 March 2004
ACI announces passenger traffic rebound in August – 20 October 2003
