Demand for global air travel dropped back in March with passenger carryings up by 2.6% against a rise of 5.4% the previous month.
Most regions of the world experienced a slowdown in year-on-year growth rates, according to latest Iata figures.
Asia-Pacific carriers saw some of weakest traffic growth in March, with international traffic up just 1.1% compared to a year ago.
Director general and chief executive Tony Tyler said: “After a number of very strong months we are seeing a slowing of demand growth.
“The strong performance of advanced economies nevertheless is likely to support the continued growth of traffic in the coming months.”
He added: “Rising demand for air travel tapered in March, following months of increasing demand.
“Aviation is crucial for economic expansion and development. But it is up to governments to treat aviation as a partner, not as an easy target for overly excessive taxation and onerous regulation or to have its infrastructure needs neglected. When aviation is treated as an economic enabler the industry is able to rise to its full potential as a key engine of growth and job creation.”
Iata holds its annual general meeting in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on June 1-3.