The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has announced an exponential rise in global air traffic for February 2022. European and North American airlines reported a surge of 380,6% and 236%, respectively.
‘The recovery in air travel is gathering steam as governments in many parts of the world lift travel restrictions,’ said Iata director-general Willie Walsh.
‘States that persist in attempting to lock-out the disease, rather than managing it, as we do with other diseases, risk missing out on the enormous economic and societal benefits that restoration of international connectivity will bring.’
Walsh added: ‘As the long-awaited recovery in air travel accelerates, it is important that our infrastructure providers are prepared for a huge increase in passenger numbers in the coming months. The peak Northern summer travel season will be critical for jobs throughout the travel and tourism value chain.’
In contrast, Africa’s rebound in February fared poorly, at 40% below the global average. Between February 2021 and February 2022, there was a 69,5% increase, according to Travel News.
Picture: Pexels
ALSO READ