Modernising airport processes that let down passengers this summer should be a priority for the aviation industry and regulators.
The call came from Iata chief Willie Walsh as the airline trade body reported continued strong recovery in global air travel in September, with the exception of China.
Strong demand is helping the industry cope with “sky high” fuel prices.
“To support that demand in the long-term, we need to pay attention to what travellers are telling us,” Walsh said.
“After nearly three years of pandemic travel complexity, Iata’s 2022 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) shows that travellers want simplification and convenience.
“That’s an important message for airlines but also for airports and governments. They own many of the facilitation processes that let passengers down at some key airports over this year’s northern summer travel season.
“According to the GPS, a majority of passengers want to use biometric data rather than passports for border processes.
“And 93% of passengers are interested in trusted traveller programmes to expedite security screening.
“Modernising the facilitation experience will not only help alleviate the choke points, it will create a better experience for all.”
Total air traffic in the month rose by 57% year-on-year to leave the total at almost 74% of pre-pandemic September 2019 levels.
International volumes climbed by 122% with all markets reporting strong growth, led by the Asis-PAcific region.
Walsh said: “Even with economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the demand for air transport continues to recover ground.
“The outlier is still China with its pursuit of a zero Covid strategy keeping borders largely closed and creating a demand roller coaster ride for its domestic market, with September being down 46.4% on the previous year.
“That is in sharp contrast to the rest of Asia-Pacific, which, despite China’s dismal performance, posted a 464.8% increase for international traffic compared to the year-ago period.”