Concerns over the Covid Delta variant cut deeply into domestic air travel demand in August, with fears of deterioration in international levels heading into the autumn.
Recovery in air travel “decelerated” in the month compared to July, according to latest Iata data.
Total demand was down 56% on pre-pandemic levels in August 2019, marking a slowdown from July, when demand was 53% below the same month in 2019.
“This was entirely driven by domestic markets, which were down 32.2% compared to August 2019, a major deterioration from July 2021, when traffic was down 16.1% versus two years ago,” Iata said.
“The worst impact was in China, while India and Russia were the only large markets to show a month-to-month improvement compared to July 2021.”
International passenger demand was 68.8% below August 2019, an improvement on the 73.1% decline recorded in July.
“All regions showed improvement, which was attributable to growing vaccination rates and less stringent international travel restrictions in some regions,” Iata said.
Director general Willie Walsh said: “August results reflect the impact of concerns over the Delta variant on domestic travel, even as international travel continued on a snail’s pace toward a full recovery that cannot happen until governments restore the freedom to travel.
“In that regard, the recent US announcement to lift travel restrictions from early November on fully vaccinated travellers is very good news and will bring certainty to a key market.
“But challenges remain, September bookings indicate a deterioration in international recovery. That’s bad news heading into the traditionally slower fourth quarter.”
He added: “The rapid slowdown in the domestic traffic recovery in August, owing to a spike in the Delta variant shows how exposed air travel continues to be to the cycles of Covid-19.
“For governments that should send two messages. The first is that this is not the time to step away from continuing support of the industry, both financial and regulatory.
“The second is the need to apply a risk-based approach to managing borders – as passengers are already doing in making their travel decisions.”
Leaders of the global aviation industry will meet in Boston at the 77th Iata annual general meeting and World Air Transport Summit on October 3-5.
Walsh said: “The AGM provides a powerful vote of confidence in the safety of international air travel and the health protocols that have now been in place for up to 18 months.
“I’ve said it before – virtual meetings are no substitute for the value delivered through the opportunity to meet face-to-face. The AGM will provide a powerful reminder of this fact.”