Air traffic in Asia-Pacific grows by nearly 7% in 2018

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ACI Asia-Pacific has released its preliminary 2018 traffic results showing an increase in air travel of 6.6% for Asia-Pacific and 2.1% for the Middle East.

According to ACI, the year started off with robust passenger demands but growth began easing throughout the second half of 2018. In Asia-Pacific, most of the growth continued to be generated in China and India. The two countries together contributed more than 60% of the traffic increase in the region. In the Middle East, passenger traffic growth showed a larger degree of volatility, trending downward as demands softened.

In terms of air freight, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East declined 2.5% and 0.9% respectively due to the weakened global economy, reduction in exports and manufacturing activities. Among the top 10 cargo hubs, Doha (DOH) posted the highest growth rate (+6.8%), followed by Guangzhou (CAN) with +4.7% and Dubai (DXB) with +2.3%.

For the year 2018, air freight in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East grew marginally at +2.4% and +0.1% respectively. Both regions experienced a slowdown in the second half of the year. Uncertainties resulting from trade disputes and slower economy was ameliorated somewhat by growth in the e-commerce and pharmaceutical sectors.

The impact and uncertainties of the trade war between China and the USA will continue to cast a shadow over the air freight demands in 2019.

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Dan originally joined Passenger Terminal World in 2014 having spent the early years of his career in the recruitment industry. As online editor, he now produces daily content for the website and supports the editor with the publication of each exciting new issue. When he’s not reporting on the latest aviation news, Dan can be found on the golf course or apprehensively planning his next DIY project.




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