Passenger air transport fell worldwide in April, the second month of war in the Middle East, with less full planes. The International Air Transport Association (Iata), which brings together more than 370 companies providing 85% of traffic, reported a drop of 3.4% over one year.
The companies have resigned themselves to the fact that the war will last, with its consequences: disruptions in the Middle East, the continued high price of kerosene and a wait-and-see attitude among travelers. “Advanced data from flight schedules shows a reduction in supply, indicating that airlines are trying to find a balance between high fuel costs and weakening demand,†said Willie Walsh, chief executive of Iata.
« The cost of fuel has more than doubled »
Companies have communicated little on the subject in recent weeks, not wanting to dissuade travelers from booking tickets for the most crucial months of the year, July and August. But the Emirates company, for example, canceled almost one in six flights from its June schedule in the space of a week.
“The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of kerosene more than doubled in April [par rapport à février, avant la guerre]which leads to an increase in ticket prices,” lamented Mr. Walsh. “Airlines are bearing the brunt of the shock from rising fuel prices. Even if air fares increase, companies still absorb part of this increase in their net results. HAS”
