Asia-Pacific a ‘laggard’ in air travel recovery
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged Asia-Pacific to prep for the anticipated surge in traffic.
It also called for policy support for decarbonisation efforts.
“The last three years have been extremely challenging. Asian airlines in particular, were hit hard, accounting for about a third of the industry’s losses,” said Conrad Clifford, IATA’s SVP.
“With the region finally emerging from Covid-19, governments have a key role to play in accelerating the recovery.”
Clifford was speaking at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) Assembly of Presidents in Bangkok.
“Asia has been a laggard. It was only around April this year that positive momentum was seen in Asia. That is why international passenger demand in September was only at 41.5%,” said Clifford.
North American carriers led the way at 89% of 2019 levels.
“Asia-Pacific governments can accelerate the recovery. There is no reason why we cannot travel as we did before the pandemic.”
The recovery will be held back as long as China remains closed to international travel, Clifford says.
Ray Monty
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season