INTERNATIONAL. Passenger traffic at the world’s airports fell by -6.2% year-on-year in January, according to the latest figures from Airports Council International’s (ACI) PaxFlash*. International passenger traffic fell by -6.7%, while domestic passenger volumes worldwide dropped by -5.9%.
For the rolling 12 months through to January 2009, overall traffic is down by -1.3%. Within this, international traffic is up by +0.6%, with domestic traffic down by -2.8%.
 |
ACI Director General Angela Gittens said: “January’s traffic results come as no surprise as the business world struggles with instability in the financial and industrial sectors. Airport activity is tied to the health of world, regional and local economies. Despite the current traffic slump, airports remain committed to their community role and to the long-term planning imperative that characterises our business.”
Asia Pacific domestic traffic (up by +4.6%) provided the only bright spot, bolstered by Chinese New Year travel in January. International traffic (down -6.6%) did not fare as well, as traffic dropped in the major hubs across the region, except for modest growth at Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Domestic traffic was strong in Beijing, Shanghai, Manila, Sydney, and Bangkok and several smaller Chinese airports (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shenzhen) and helped salvage the overall result.
 |
The Middle East continues to be the only region registering total traffic growth (up +1.8%) while elsewhere the picture is “universally bleak and shows no signs of immediate improvement” according to ACI. Europe recorded big decreases for both domestic (-17.8%) and international traffic (-8.9%).
Africa was hard hit domestically (-12.4%) and also declined internationally (-8%) with Egyptian tourist destinations losing up to 20% of traffic. All North American airports participating in the sample report saw reduced traffic, excepting Charlotte, North Carolina, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Bright spots at Latin American airports include Cancún, Mexico City, Lima, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.
 |
ACI Director Economics Andreas Schimm said: “We must brace ourselves for further turbulent times. There is a significant downside risk for February 2009 figures, given the likelihood of a continuing deterioration in the global economic climate. The comparisons will be further impacted by the fact that Chinese New Year was in February last year and the leap year gave one additional working day. We must accept that this downturn will continue for a while longer and keep looking ahead to the inevitable upswing to ensure that airports remain a firm cornerstone for rebuilding economic health.”
*ACI’s PaxFlash is based on a significant sample of airports that provide monthly reports to ACI. These airports represent around 60% of total global passenger traffic. ACI has 597 members operating at 1,679 airports in 177 countries.
MORE STORIES ON ACI AND GLOBAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC
ACI forecasts -4% passenger downturn in 2009, ‘spotty growth’ in 2010, rebound in 2011 – 12/02/09
ACI: Global passenger traffic is flat in 2008 after “turbulent and sobering year” – 30/01/09
Air travel gloom deepens as ACI reports “˜major setback’ for global passenger traffic in November – 07/01/09
[comments]
