Air demand continued to slow in July with the uncertain economic outlook to blame, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Latest figures show growth of 3.4% compared to the increase in June of 6.3% and the monthly average in the first six months of the year of 6.5%.
IATA said the slowdown is linked to the decline in business confidence in many parts of the world.
Asia Pacific in particular suffered, with growth of just 0.9%. The airline body described the result as a “major slowdown”.
“European airlines appear to be benefiting more than Asia Pacific airlines from the recently stronger trade flows from West to East, while Middle Eastern airlines continue to offer strong competition on long haul markets,” IATA said.
Director general and chief executive Tony Tyler said the outlook was poor.
“Overall passenger demand is still 3.4% up on the previous July but the growth trend is clearly slowing,” he said. “This, along with rising fuel prices is likely to make it a tough second half of the year.”
