India generated the highest growth rate in Asia-Pacific
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In January, passenger traffic across Asia-Pacific recorded a +4.4% increase whereas the Middle East reported a small reduction of -0.4% compared to the same period last year. This month’s traffic was largely distorted by the later timing of Chinese New Year (CNY) compared to last year, resulting in slower growth in many countries for the month.
India generated the highest growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region at approximately +15% in January, backed by robust domestic demand. India’s domestic sector has experienced a period of high growth since 2015 and continued to have strong momentum. Among the top 10 airports driving domestic passenger traffic volume in January seven came from India. Led by: Delhi (DEL) +12.6%, Bangalore (BLR) +19.8% and Hyderabad (HYD) +24.8%.
The shifting timing of CNY has resulted in China’s growth slowed to approximately +2% in January. The busiest airports in the country all reported small decline or marginal increase for the month: Beijing (PEK) -0.4%, Shanghai Pudong (PVG) +0.3%, Guangzhou (CAN) +0.7%. Passenger traffic is expected to rebound significantly for China in February 2018.
Elsewhere in the region, vibrant international passenger travels benefited a number of markets in driving volume increase for the month. Top runners were: Seoul Incheon (ICN) +8.2%, Kuala Lumpur (KUL) +4.9%, and Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) +7.4%.
Questions & Answers
Q.What caused the overall slower growth in passenger traffic across Asia-Pacific during January?
What caused the overall slower growth in passenger traffic across Asia-Pacific during January?
The later timing of Chinese New Year compared to the previous year largely distorted the traffic figures. This resulted in slower growth rates for many countries in the region during January.
Q.Which specific airports in India showed the strongest growth in domestic passenger traffic?
Which specific airports in India showed the strongest growth in domestic passenger traffic?
Hyderabad (HYD) led with a 24.8% increase, followed by Bangalore (BLR) at 19.8%, and Delhi (DEL) with a 12.6% rise. These airports contributed significantly to India's robust domestic demand.
Q.How did Chinese New Year affect passenger traffic in China's busiest airports?
How did Chinese New Year affect passenger traffic in China's busiest airports?
The shifting timing of Chinese New Year slowed China's growth to approximately 2% in January. Major airports like Beijing, Shanghai Pudong, and Guangzhou reported either small declines or marginal increases.
Q.Which other airports in the Asia-Pacific region experienced strong international passenger travel growth?
Which other airports in the Asia-Pacific region experienced strong international passenger travel growth?
Seoul Incheon recorded an 8.2% increase, Kuala Lumpur saw a 4.9% rise, and Bangkok Don Mueang grew by 7.4%. Vibrant international travel benefited these markets, driving their volume increases.
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