IATA revises 2020 passenger traffic forecast down for Middle East

IATA revises 2020 passenger traffic forecast down for Middle East

AMMAN — 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 travelers in 2020 compared to the 203 million in 2019• In 2021, demand in the Middle East is expected to strengthen to 45% of 2019 levels to reach 90 million travelers