ACI: Pax traffic to continue growth, cargo traffic to remain depressed

ACI reported (08-Jul-2013) May-2013 was a "banner month" for the world's top airports with two of the top 20 airports ranked by passenger traffic recording year-on-year declines in passenger numbers. Overall passenger traffic increased 4.7% year-on-year including a 2.8% increase in domestic passengers and a 6.9% increase in international passengers. International traffic remained buoyant in the Middle East with Dubai and Istanbul Ataturk airports continuing their growth with double-digit growths of more than 18%. In Asia, Kuala Lumpur Airport also achieved double digit growth of 22.3%. Cargo traffic, however, remained sluggish with no growth. International cargo traffic was flat while domestic cargo dell 1.1%. 60% of the world's top 20 airports reported year-on-year declines with Jakarta and Dubai the only hubs among the top airports to report significant growths of 18.3% and 11.9%, respectively. [more - original PR]

ACI: "International travel is poised for continued growth, as we approach the high season for vacations over the holiday months. All regions recorded robust growth rates in international passenger traffic. Although Europe's domestic market contracted in May, international traffic remains strong with growth close to +7%. Nevertheless, with regards to air freight, emerging markets are faced with weaker demand from North America and Europe. As a result, we are witnessing slowing growth or declines at major air freight exporters across Asia-Pacific. With a strong recovery in the Eurozone doubtful in the short run, the sluggishness in the air freight market will persist," Rafael Echevarne, Economics Director. Source: Company statement, 08-Jul-2013.