According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), India continues to remain the weakest performing domestic aviation market in the world. The IATA on April 3 released global data for the month of February and the drop in domestic air travel demand was weakest in India where traffic fell by 9 per cent, even as the average for the month for all countries was a rise of 3.9 per cent.
The IATA report for India says that in addition to the slowing economy, Indian airlines have been reducing capacity from previously unsustainable levels. Even the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s latest data showed that the month-on-month demand for domestic air travel has been falling.
China’s domestic traffic soared 20.2 per cent compared to a year ago, reflecting the impact of Chinese New Year-related travel, but also the continuing acceleration of the economy. US traffic dipped 0.6 per cent in February and Japan’s domestic market contracted 3.1 per cent. Brazil saw traffic fall by 4.3 per cent. The international passenger market in February rose 3.6 per cent compared to the year-ago period.
IATA Director-General and CEO Tony Tyler said that February’s performance was good news. Demand for air travel continues to rise on economic optimism and improved business confidence. But that comes with a few caveats. Much of the growth is concentrated on emerging markets. Europe continues to be a laggard, he added.
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