The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data showing growing momentum in the recovery of air travel as restrictions are lifted.

Improved ticket sales: IATA reported a sharp 11-percentage point increase for international tickets sold in recent weeks (in proportion to 2019 sales). 

 

• In the period around 08 February (seven day moving average) the number of tickets sold stood at 49 per cent of the same period in 2019.

• In the period around 25 January (seven day moving average) the number of tickets sold stood at 38 per cent of the same period in 2019.

• The 11-percentage point improvement between the January and February periods is the fastest such increase for any two-week period since the crisis began.

The jump in ticket sales comes as more governments announce a relaxation of Covid-19 border restrictions. A survey of travel restrictions for the world’s top 50 air travel markets (comprising 92 per cent of global demand in 2019 as measured by revenue passenger kilometres) revealed the growing access available to vaccinated travellers.

 

• 18 markets (comprising about 20 per cent of 2019 demand) are open to vaccinated travellers without quarantine or pre-departure testing requirements.

• 28 markets are open to vaccinated travellers without quarantine requirements (including the 18 markets noted above). This comprises about 50 per cent of 2019 demand.

• 37 markets (comprising about 60 per cent of 2019 demand) are open to vaccinated travellers under varying conditions (18 having no restrictions, others requiring testing or quarantine or both).

These numbers reflect a spate of relaxations announced around the world, including in Australia, France, the Philippines, the UK, Switzerland, and Sweden among them.