IATA predicts slow recovery for Middle East’s aviation industry

IATA predicts slow recovery for Middle East’s aviation industry

Muscat: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) downgraded its traffic forecast for the Middle East for 2020 to reflect a weaker-than-expected recovery. "Full-year 2020 passenger numbers in the Middle East (to/from/within) are forecast to reach only 30% of 2019 levels, down significantly from the 45% that was projected in July. In absolute numbers, the Middle East is expected to see 60 million travellers in 2020 compared to 203 million in 2019. In 2021, demand in the Middle East is expected to strengthen to 45% of 2019 levels to reach 90 million travellers to/from/within the region. A full return to 2019 levels is not expected until late 2024," the IATA said in its press release.The release also stated that the regional travel picked up across the Middle East from the low point