Global air traffic was at 68.5 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2022, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
December 2022’s total traffic increased by 39.7 percent compared to December 2021 and reached 76.9 percent of December 2019’s level.
“The industry left 2022 in far stronger shape than it entered, as most governments lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions during the year and people took advantage of the restoration of their freedom to travel,” Willie Walsh, IATA director general, said. “This momentum is expected to continue in the New Year, despite some governments’ over-reactions to China’s re-opening,”
In 2022, domestic traffic increased by 10.9 percent compared to 2021 and was 79.6 percent of 2019’s level. December 2022’s domestic traffic rose 2.6 percent from 2021 and was at 79.9 percent of December 2019’s traffic.
International traffic spiked 152.7 percent compared to 2021 and reached 62.2 percent of 2019’s levels. In December, international traffic grew 80.2 percent compared to December 2021 and reached 75.1 percent of December 2019’s level.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw the largest increase in traffic in 2022 compared to 2021, rising 363.3 percent.
North American carriers rose 130.2 percent compared to 2021, with December’s traffic increasing 61.3 percent compared to December 2021.