AAPA – Passenger traffic recovery in January 2023 is 52% of pre-pandemic levels

The passenger traffic in Asia Pacific recovered to just 52% in January 2023 as compared to the pre-pandemic level of January 2019 revealed the report by Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

In January 2019, the region's airlines carried 32.2 million passengers, compared to 17.2 million in January 2023. And airline capacity, as measured by available seat kilometers (ASKs), has only increased to 56% of 2019 levels. This is good for airlines' passenger load factors and keeping prices high but not for generating quick increases in traveler numbers.

Another key takeaway from the data is that in spite the opening of China border and peak travel season in January due to Lunar New year the passenger volumes did not rise as anticipated.

In December 2022, Asia-Pacific airlines carried 16.1 million passengers, followed by 17.2 million in January 2023, a rise of 6.6%.

Subhas Menon, Director, AAPA said: “Strong demand buoyed by an increase in leisure travellers during the Lunar New Year holidays in the region, saw the number of passengers carried by Asia Pacific carriers in January rise to 52.1% of pre-pandemic traffic levels in 2019."

Forecasting positive passenger recovery going ahead, Menon said: “Notwithstanding the challenges brought on by the global economic uncertainty, growth prospects for passenger markets look positive for the year ahead. The desire to travel remains strong, with latest forward booking trends pointing to sustained high demand. Nevertheless, cost pressures represent a key challenge to airline financial performance, driven by the elevated fuel prices and inflationary pressures on operating expenditure, including labour and maintenance. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines remain vigilant in striving for cost efficiencies whilst restoring flights in the COVID-19 recovery period.”