Continuing terrorist activity, fallout from the Brexit vote and the fragile sate of the global economy will continue to weigh on airlines, Iata has warned.
International airline passenger demand slowed in May for the third consecutive month, latest data from Iata reveals.
Annual international growth fell to 4.3% from 5% in April.
Overall demand rose by 4.3% in May against the same month last year – the same level as in April.
Iata director general and chief executive Tony Tyler said: “After a very strong start to the year, demand growth is slipping back toward more historic levels.
“A combination of factors are likely behind this more moderated pace of demand growth. These include continuing terrorist activity and the fragile state of the global economy.
“Neither bode well for travel demand. And the shocks of Istanbul and the economic fallout of the Brexit vote make it difficult to see an early uptick.”
He added: “The shockwaves of the Brexit vote have extended worldwide and the fallout will affect the air transport industry, from both economic and regulatory perspectives.
“Aviation plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and development. As the post-Brexit regulatory framework is negotiated between the EU and the UK it is critical that there are no steps backward for aviation connectivity.”