MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Global cargo and passenger traffic up in September

Global passenger traffic in September 2006 grew at 2.5% over the same month in 2005, following 2.3% in August and 2.6% in July, reports the Airports Council International.

The 4% rise in international traffic in September was offset by stalled growth in domestic traffic. Domestic results were down in North America (1%) and in Latin America (4%) with the large Brazilian market continuing to under-perform as the carrier Varig entered bankruptcy. Sao Paulo, the continent's busiest airport, saw a decline in traffic of 11%.

The Middle East showed the highest rate of growth at 6.3%, led by 12% growth at Dubai and an 11% increase at Bahrain. The Africa Region showed the second highest rate of growth at 5.4%, with Casablanca the strongest performer growing 10% and the three major South African airports (Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban) reporting growth between 6 and 9%. The Asia/Pacific region showed an increase of 5.2%, with Beijing, Shanghai-Pudong and Incheon all registering double digit growth.

In Europe, where traffic was up 4.7%, Prague was the leader with 25% growth. Dublin (15%) and Milan Malpensa (12%) were among the leaders as well. In the U.S. market only Newark and Houston Hobby exceeded 5% growth, with many airports reporting declining traffic due to continuing capacity cutbacks by carriers in Chapter 11 reorganization.

ACI further reports that global cargo volume was up sharply in September, 5.3% over the same month in 2005. Growth was particularly strong in the Middle East (up 16%) and Asia/Pacific (up 7.7%), whereas Africa and Latin America were down marginally.

International traffic growth performance was better than domestic, with international freight volume up by nearly 8%, the largest increase in six months.

Such spikes in volume often reflect a rebound in the global economy or at minimum, increased trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific trade flows. Domestic tonnage increase was strong in Asia Pacific (up 11%) but all other regions show little or negative growth.

ACI Director General Robert J Aaronson commenting on September traffic results, "The latest reports from ACI member airports show that worldwide passenger traffic growth has slowed over the past three months, whereas international freight traffic is gaining momentum. Airport operators and World Business Partners will gather in Cape Town next week for the ACI World Annual General Assembly. We will examine the impact of recent events not only on the traffic trends but also on how airports do business.

Security measures are directly affecting all aspects of our daily operations ? passenger throughput, screening, baggage restrictions and airport revenues to name but a few.

These challenges will require innovative solutions and excellent partnership across the industry if we are to ensure a quality travel experience."