Airlines see passenger traffic rise by 17.9% in March: IATA

NEW DELHI: The International Air transport Association ( IATA) credits the growth in passenger traffic in India during the month of March to market stimulation by local carriers and a strengthening economy.

“India’s airlines saw traffic jump 17.9 per cent in March, likely reflecting market stimulation by local carriers and a strengthening economy,” it said in a relelase.

IATA announced global passenger traffic results for March 2015 showing demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 7.4% compared to March 2014. This was an improvement on February, when year-over-year growth was 6.4 per cent.

“The acceleration in the year-on-year comparison reflects the residual impact of the February Lunar New Year celebrations, which tend to boost leisure travel in the weeks before and after the holiday. In 2014, the holiday occurred at the end of January. However, underlying traffic trends confirm demand remains robust,” it further said.

March capacity rose 5.6% and load factor climbed 1.3 percentage points to 80.0 per cent. Domestic markets experienced stronger growth than international markets, but both performed well, the release added.