The recovery of air passenger travel continued in March, according to the International Air Transport Association – but it warned delays at airports could hit consumer “enthusiasm”.
The air transport body said the impact on numbers from the conflict in Ukraine were “quite limited overall” while Omicron-related effects continued to be confined largely to Asian domestic markets.
Total traffic in March 2022, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 76% compared to March 2021 – although it was 41% below the level seen in March 2019.
Willie Walsh, Iata director-general, said: “With barriers to travel coming down in most places, we are seeing the long-expected surge in pent-up demand finally being realised.
“Unfortunately, we are also seeing long delays at many airports with insufficient resources to handle the growing numbers.
“This must be addressed urgently to avoid frustrating consumer enthusiasm for air travel.”
European carriers continued to lead the recovery, with March traffic rising 425% compared to March 2021.
Walsh also warned that some government actions are emerging as “key impediments” to recovery.
“This is demonstrated most dramatically in the Netherlands,” he said.
“Schiphol airport is being allowed by the regulator to repay itself on the back of airlines and consumers for Covid-19 losses with a 37% hike in airport charges over the next three years.
“Simultaneously, the airport has asked airlines to cancel bookings and new sales this week, at huge inconvenience to passengers, claiming shortfalls in airport staffing, including government provided security functions.
“And the government itself is planning to increase passenger taxes by €400 million annually with the stated purpose of discouraging travel.”
He warned these moves will cost jobs and “hurt consumers who already struggling with price inflation”.
“The Dutch government has forgotten a key lesson from the Covid-19 crisis which is that everyone’s quality of life suffers without efficient air connectivity,” he added.
“The immediate priority is for governments to have plans in place to meet expected demand this summer.”