Global passenger traffic grew by 5.6 percent in May on a year-over-year basis, despite a global climate of increasing geopolitical tension, according to a recent report conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI) World.
The report said the figure was close to 1 percentage point below its year-to-date growth figure but remains a demonstration of resilience.
“The air transport sector has shown remarkable resilience to the tense climate that has descended over international relations and trade,” Angela Gittens, director general of ACI World, said. “Tensions include the ongoing Qatari blockade and the political challenges facing major Western powers, including Brexit negotiations in Europe and the shifting approach to international relations in the United States.”
Gittens said the link between aviation and global macroeconomic conditions remains strong but acknowledged a prolonged period of diplomatic and market instability could dampen the industry’s outlook for the near future.
ACI officials said month-by-month passenger and freight statistics are based on a significant sample of airports providing regular reports and form part of the world’s most comprehensive source for airport data.
The report noted freight volumes picked up speed during the month despite comparing to a particularly favorable May 2017, reaching 5.1 percent year-over-year, close to their 5.3 percent year-to-date figures.
The global passenger traffic year-over-year basis is below its parallel year-to-date and 12-month rolling average figures of 6.4 percent.