Airport traffic trends still negative

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According to the latest figures released by Airports Council International, passenger traffic is hard pressed to return to pre-September 11 levels as it continues to wallow in negative territory

Results from over 700 airports worldwide show passenger traffic down 10% in January 2002 and aircraft movements 8% down on a year ago.

The drop-off in passenger traffic in all regions continued. North America registered a double-digit decline (-12%), followed by Latin America/Caribbean and Europe (both -9%).

Stronger trends were registered in Africa and Asia/Pacific (both -6%) and the Middle East (-5%). Atlanta Hartsfield remained the world's busiest passenger airport, although its traffic contracted by 8%. Among the top 30 airports, only Beijing (+10%) and Tokyo Haneda (+5%) registered increases.

Meanwhile in the US many carriers have lifted the requirement for passengers to get to the airport early and there are signs of a return to normality. Leading travel retailer HMSHost recently announced a rise in its airport sales of 2% in the period January to March, despite the traffic fall.