INTERNATIONAL. Global airport traffic fell sharply in March and in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same month and quarter in 2008, Airports Council International revealed in its latest figures today.
International passenger traffic fell by -11% year-on-year in March, and was down by -10% in the quarter.
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ACI said: “The decline has slowed in the Asia Pacific and Africa regions, and March domestic traffic across all regions showed signs of a softening contraction, down -6% against -7.5% for the first quarter. For total worldwide traffic in March, airport reports show -8% fewer passengers than March 2008, and the worldwide average for the first quarter 2009 is also down by -8%.”
ACI said cautiously: “There are signs that the passenger traffic decline has reached the bottom of the downward trend. Data indicates that domestic travel, as well as international traffic in Asia Pacific, could lead the beginnings of an upturn. Further declines in international traffic in the rest of the world are the result of a distortion due to the fact that Easter holidays were in March last year and in April this year.”
But it added: “These results and analysis for March and first quarter 2009 do not yet take into account the impact of the outbreak of swine influenza now witnessed in a limited number of nations. At the time of this release, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any travel advisories nor recommended border closings. ACI and its members will continue to monitor this situation closely and comply with any new directives from the WHO and national health authorities.”
ACI Director of Health, Security and Facilitation Craig Bradbrook added: “While the swine influenza outbreak comes at a difficult time, we remain confident that the industry will pull through this crisis, as it has in the past. Indeed, as the Director General WHO has said, the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic that at any time in history. ACI, ICAO, IATA and WHO responded to the previous SARS and Avian Flu outbreaks by developing comprehensive contingency procedures for airports and airlines.
“We are seeing those being implemented in line with the WHO’s global response plan. ACI is in regular communication with WHO and other industry stakeholders and will continue to provide information and assistance to airports.”
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