July 2017: Passengers up 6% and 4% respectively in Asia-Pacific and Middle East
Passengers traveling through the Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern airports in July grew by +5.7% and +4.0% respectively compared to the same period last year.India continued to generate the highest growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region, backed by robust domestic passenger travel, though at a slower pace than last year. The largest airport Delhi (DEL) recorded close to 10% growth in July. Other key passenger traffic drivers for the month include: Calcutta (CCU) +19.1% and Hyderabad (HYD) +16.8%.
In China, growth in July was primarily driven by domestic passenger traffic, but many airports continued to pursue active expansion in international routes. Among the largest hubs in the region, Guangzhou (CAN) +10.5% was the only airport that delivered double digit growth this month.
Other key passenger traffic drivers for the month include: Tianjin (TSN) +30.1%, and Xi’an (XIY) +11.3%.
In South Korea, passenger traffic suffered an overall decline of -1%, likely due to the negative impact caused by the Chinese ban for tour groups to visit South Korea since March 2017. Cheongju (CJJ) and Jeju (CJU) recorded a decline of -19.1% and -7% respectively compared to same month last year.
In the Middle East, passenger traffic showed mixed results. Qatar’s diplomatic crisis with a number of neighbouring states continued to negatively impact passenger traffic at Doha (DOH) -14.0% whereas Muscat (MCT) +25.2% and Kuwait (KWI) +24.3% both grew at a fast pace. The largest hub in the region Dubai (DXB) served over 8 million passengers in July (or growth of +5.9%) and surpassed Beijing (PEK) as the busiest airport for the month.
In terms of air freight, Asia-Pacific grew +9.3% while the Middle East grew +10.6% in July.
Exports continued to drive strong air freight growth in the Asia-Pacific during the month: Hong Kong (HKG) +11.1%, Shanghai Pudong (PVG) +12.9% and Seoul Incheon (ICN) +7.6%. In the Middle East, the pace of growth regained strength, Doha (DOH) grew by +14.5% and Dubai (DXB) grew by +5%.
Note :
- ACI preliminary passenger and freight statistics are based on a significant sample of airports that provide regular monthly reports to ACI. They represent approximately 60% of total passenger traffic and 70% of total freight traffic worldwide. Commentary, tables and charts are based on preliminary data submitted by participating airports and are therefore subject to change.
- Size categories refer to the annual passenger traffic (in the last 12 months)
