Surge in domestic travel lifts global air traffic close to 2019 levels

Willie Walsh, director-general of the IATA, said economic headwinds are 'not deterring people' from flying with the demand for international travel 'rapidly closing' in on 2019 levels

Total air traffic worldwide increased by 29.7% in November compared to the same period in 2022. 

Air travel during November has returned to 99% of what it was prior to the pandemic in 2019 driven primarily by a surge in domestic travel in China and the US.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents approximately 320 airlines worldwide, total traffic last November rose 29.7% compared to November 2022. Globally, air traffic is now at 99.1% of November 2019 levels.