The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates a 4.3% increase in flight frequencies and a 4.2% rise in available seats compared to the same period in 2023 for the holiday season in Latin America and the Caribbean. Looking at the entire year, airlines are projected to increase passenger numbers in the region by 5% in 2024, which is a testament to the strong recovery and great strides the industry made across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Airlines have diligently planned for the surge in passenger numbers, implementing measures to enhance operational stability. However, the success of these efforts relies heavily on the shared accountability and close collaboration between airlines, airports, and government agencies. IATA reminds all industry stakeholders across the aviation value chain and governments of their shared responsibility in maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient transportation system, ensuring a smooth experience for air travelers, especially during the peak holiday travel season. Authorities across the Americas must ensure that staffing levels at airports, security, immigration, and air traffic control facilities are adequate to handle the increased volume of travelers.
“Air operations rely on the seamless cooperation of all stakeholders—airlines, airports, authorities, and suppliers. A failure in any link can disrupt the entire passenger experience. Therefore,ollaboration and planning are crucial, especially during the busiest travel time of the year,” says Peter Cerdá, IATA Regional Vice President for the Americas.
In addition to flying passengers, carriers are also working around the clock to move packages around the world this holiday season. For December 2024, airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean are scheduled to transport more than 2.7 million tons of goods, including medical supplies, fresh food and flowers, live animals, and electronics which is 17.8% above December 2019, and 8.7% above the same period in 2023.
Tips for Travelers:
- Download your airline’s mobile app: Ensure you download your carrier’s app as soon as you purchase a ticket. Airlines have made significant investments in their mobile apps to relay flight updates such as boarding times, gate numbers, and other important announcements.
- Allow plenty of time: Be sure to allow extra time as ground transportation to airports increases and there are longer lines than usual at security and immigration.
- Keep an eye on the weather: Airlines do everything within their control to ensure flights depart and arrive on time, but if adverse meteorological conditions set in, planes will not take off. Safety is always our industry’s top priority.
IATA emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and coordination among all stakeholders and passengers. By working together, we can ensure that the holiday travel period is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved.
