Latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that airlines in the Middle East recorded the highest growth among the regions, as they continued to add capacity, increasing 15.3 percent in October.
The Middle East, which also recorded the highest growth of 9.9 percent in the year-to-date passenger traffic in 2009 over the same period last year, was the only region to record positive growth, IATA added.
Globally, IATA said passenger demand was up 0.5 percent compared to October 2008 and load factors for passengers continued at pre-recession levels of 78 percent.
IATA added the improvement trend that has emerged since passenger traffic hit the bottom in March was similar to the pace of growth in 2006 and 2007.
"The crisis has cost the industry two years of growth. Adjusting costs and capacity to meet that reality will be challenging," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and chief executive.
Passenger demand was now six percent better than the low point reached in March 2009, but five percent below the peak recorded in early 2008, he added.
Compared to September, seasonally adjusted passenger volumes rose by 0.8 percent. Carriers in all regions except the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and North America saw improved demand in October compared to September.
