Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific has released preliminary traffic data from 18 airports across the region, showing year-on-year figures for April have slumped by 95 per cent.
The data documents a gradual resumption of domestic traffic in China and South Korea, thanks in part to adjustments made by airports to manage the impact.
“Passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific region has reached rock bottom,” said Stefano Baronci, director general, ACI Asia-Pacific.
“Airports have been forced to make difficult operational decisions including full or partial closure of terminals and runways and reduction of front-line employees.
“These drastic measures take time to reverse. Returning to full operational status will not happen overnight.”
Health and hygiene measures implemented by airports have also contributed to growing signs of stabilisation.
ACI (APAC) suggests that co-operation between the aviation industry and national health authorities, governments and regulators will be required.
“Airport operators will need to balance a safe travel experience for passengers with recovering connectivity to boost the economy,” Baronci added.
“This cannot be done in isolation and requires the engagement of all aviation stakeholders.
“The support of states is required to reset and rebuild the sector, given its strategic role for the relaunch of the economy and its social relevance in terms of job creation.
“The virus has imposed a ‘new normal’ of living on us. A united industry needs to create a ‘new normal’ for travelling.”
