Latest data from Airports Council International (ACI) shows worldwide passenger demand softened again in May-2009, falling 8% year-on-year as swine flu took a toll and economic woes continued. International passenger traffic tumbled by 9%, while domestic traffic declined by 7%, according to ACI.
ACI total passenger number growth: May-o8 to May-09
International freight slowly reversing downward slide
ACI reports that total freight handled worldwide in May-2009 fell by 16% year-on-year, with international freight down 19% and domestic by 10%. The first five months of 2009 showed total freight declining by 19%, with international freight dropping by 22% and domestic freight falling by 12% - suggesting some, albeit very slow, improvement as the year has progressed.