Middle East airlines recorded an 18 per cent growth in passenger traffic in October compared to the same month in 2009.

This was the strongest growth of all regions. In September, carriers in the Middle East region recorded a 23.9 per cent growth in passenger demand (MEED 26:10:10).

In global terms, passenger traffic increased 10.1 per cent year-on-year, while freight volumes increased 14.4 per cent.

“As we approach the end of 2010, growth is returning to a more normal pattern. Passenger demand is five per cent above pre-crisis levels of early 2008 while freight is one per cent above,” says Giovanni Bisignani, director general and chief executive of International Air Transport Association (Iata).

“The picture going forward is anything but clear, but for the time being the recovery seems to be strengthening.”

Passenger traffic showed increases in all regions. Airlines in Africa posted a 13.3 per cent growth in passenger demand, while carriers in Asia-Pacific region recorded an increase of 7.3 per cent. Airlines in North America and Europe also enjoyed significant increases in passenger demand, recording a growth of 12.4 per cent and 9.6 per cent respectively.

Carriers in Latin America posted the weakest growth of any region, with passenger traffic rising just 4.9 per cent. The region is still experiencing the effects of the bankruptcy of Mexicana Airlines.