DUBAI, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Middle Eastern carriers' passenger demand growth slowed to 0.8 percent, from 2.9 percent in April, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Thursday.
This was in stark contrast to the global passenger demand which rose 5.8 percent in May, IATA figures showed.
The timing of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting lasting from May 16 to June 15 this year, may have affected the result, but more broadly, the upward trend in aviation traffic has slowed compared to last year, the IATA said.
International passenger demand rose 5.8 percent in May, up from 4.6 percent growth in April. All regions recorded growth, led by Asia-Pacific airlines which saw their traffic rise by 8 percent in May.
"There are storm clouds on the horizon, including rising cost inputs, growing protectionist sentiment and the risk of trade wars, as well as geopolitical tensions," said IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.
The price of oil reached a near four-year high at end of June, translating into higher jet fuel costs for airliners, he said.
Calling aviation the "business of freedom" which works best when borders are open to trade and people, the IATA head said that the governments that recognize this will take steps to ensure aviation is economically sustainable.
