International and domestic air travel across the globe improved marginally during May, compared to the previous month, though air traffic remained well below pre-pandemic levels, airline industry group The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a statement on Wednesday. Total demand for air travel in May 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 62.7% compared to May 2019, IATA said, adding that a recovery in international traffic continues to be stymied by extensive government travel restrictions. Asia-Pacific, including Indian airlines, saw demand for international air cargo increase 5.3% in May 2021 compared to the same month in 2019. International capacity remained constrained in the region (Asia Pacific), down 16.9% versus May 2019, IATA said in the statement. “Propelled by strong economic growth in trade and manufacturing, demand for air cargo is 9.4% above pre-crisis levels.

Source: Mint July 07, 2021 13:41 UTC