IATA: Middle East Air Traffic to Reach Only 30 Percent of 2019’s Levels

IATA: Middle East Air Traffic to Reach Only 30 Percent of 2019’s Levels

The global aviation body has downgraded its air traffic forecast for the Middle East with passenger numbers to reach only 30 percent of last year's level.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had in July anticipated passengers figures to reach 45 percent of the 2019 tally.

The Middle East is expected to see 60 million travelers in 2020 compared to the 203 million in 2019, IATA said on Wednesday, reflecting the still unfolding impact of a second wave of coronavirus infections.

Passenger numbers are forecast to reach 90 million next year (45 percent of 2019 levels) with a full recovery unlikely to materialize until 2024.

The latest forecast from IATA points to a much lower level of forward bookings in the last three months of the year.

THENUMBER

60 million

is the number of travelers the Middle East