Passenger volume at US airports nearing prepandemic levels as TSA staffs up

Passengers are flooding back to airports across the nation this Thanksgiving, even nearing precoronavirus pandemic levels. On Sunday, more than 2.1 million people were screened at airport checkpoints across the nation, 10% fewer people than were screened on the same day two years ago, according to Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Lisa Farbstein. In comparison, the […]

Moderate Rebound in September Passenger Demand

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a moderate rebound in air travel in September 2021 compared to August’s performance. This was driven by recovery in domestic markets, in particular China, where some travel curbs were lifted following the COVID-19 outbreaks in August. International demand, meanwhile, slipped slightly compared to the previous month. Because comparisons […]

July Passenger Traffic Boost, but Well Below Pre-COVID Levels

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that both international and domestic travel demand showed significant momentum in July 2021 compared to June, but demand remained far below pre-pandemic levels. Extensive government-imposed travel restrictions continue to delay recovery in international markets. Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact […]

PLAY applies for permit to fly to USA

PLAY has applied for a permit and exemption authority with the US Department of Transportation to launch services to the United States in 2022. The application was filed on August 20 and requests permission to operate scheduled and charter services from and via Iceland. PLAY looks forward to welcoming passengers traveling to and from the […]

Heathrow reports first green shoots of travel recovery

A further easing of travel restrictions throughout July has resulted in a 74 per cent increase in passenger numbers at Heathrow compared to the same month last year. In a statement, the airport said this could be the start of a long-awaited recovery in the travel sector. With consumer confidence on the rise, over 1.5 […]

Delta to boost transatlantic flying this fall

Delta Air Lines is increasing service across the Atlantic this fall, with 30 weekly transatlantic flights available to passengers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The Atlanta-based carrier will fly from Seattle (SEA) to London Heathrow (LHR) 3X-weekly starting Oct. 7. Delta will then start 4X-weekly service between Detroit (DTW) and LHR from Oct. 11. […]

Airline Industry Statistics Confirm 2020 Was Worst Year on Record

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the IATA World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) publication with performance figures for 2020 demonstrating the devastating effects on global air transport during that year of the COVID-19 crisis. 8 billion passengers flew in 2020, a decrease of 60.2% compared to the 4.5 billion who flew in 2019 Industry-wide […]

June air travel recovery continues to disappoint

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced passenger demand performance for June 2021 showing a very slight improvement in both international and domestic air travel markets. Demand remains significantly below pre-COVID-19 levels owing to international travel restrictions. As comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise […]

Passengers Confident in Onboard Safety, Continue to Support Mask-wearing

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that based on its latest passenger survey conducted in June, most air travelers are confident about the safety of air travel and support mask-wearing in the near-term. However, a majority are also frustrated with the “hassle factor” around COVID-19 protocols, including confusion and uncertainty about travel rules, testing […]

Marginal Improvements in May Travel Demand

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that both international and domestic travel demand showed marginal improvements in May 2021, compared to the prior month, but traffic remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Recovery in international traffic in particular continued to be stymied by extensive government travel restrictions. Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results […]