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Global passenger traffic demand remained “robust” in April although numbers varied across regions, Iata reported.
Total revenue passenger kilometres rose 5.9% over the same month last year.
Domestic demand grew by 7.2%, outpacing international demand which increased by 5.2%.
Iata director general and chief executive, Tony Tyler, said: “Demand for connectivity remains strong. That’s positive news.
“But the performance of the industry is multi-tiered. Middle East and Asia-Pacific based carriers led with growth well above the 5.9% average, while carriers in Europe and the Americas were below it. And African airlines reported a contraction compared to the previous year.”
He added: “As we head into the traditionally strong summer travel season in the northern hemisphere, the outlook for aviation is a mixed picture.
“Lower oil prices are helping to keep the cost of air travel down. The stronger US dollar, however, may dampen demand in some markets.
“And it remains to be seen how long robust travel demand can stand up in the face of a trio of bad economic news: unexpectedly poor first quarter performance in the US, continuing weakness in the eurozone and slowing regional trade in Asia Pacific.”