IATA data show September global air passenger demand fell 0.5% measured by
revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), though activity improved from August.
Declines were concentrated in the Middle East (-8% RPK) and North America
(-1.6%); Africa (+5%) and Latin America and the Caribbean (+4.3%) recorded
gains. IATA said most international markets have resumed growth. Its chief
economist said these patterns have repeatedly emerged this year and, given
geopolitical uncertainty and fuel-price volatility, are likely to persist.