Colombia, Chile, Peru and Brazil drive regional aviation growth in first quarter of 2024

Redacción - Aviación al Día

1 year ago

In the first quarter of 2024, cumulative air passenger traffic increased 9% with 10 million more passengers than in the same period of 2023. The Colombian, Chilean, Peruvian and Brazilian markets were the main contributors to this growth, together adding 4.6 million additional travelers.

Specifically in March, as described in the Passenger Traffic Report prepared by the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), 41.1 million passengers were carried in the region, representing an 8% increase with an additional 3.05 million compared to March 2023. Brazil, Colombia and Peru were key to this growth, contributing 1.5 million additional passengers, with Colombia being the main driver, contributing 26% of the total increase.

“The breakdown by market reiterates the encouraging trend of March: the domestic market experienced a growth of 2.4%, while the international market stood out with an impressive 14% increase,” highlights José Ricardo Botelho, Executive Director and CEO of ALTA. “The data shows that demand continues to rise. If we look at the first quarter of the year, we see that 120.8 million passengers were mobilized, an increase of 9% compared to the first quarter of 2023. Aviation is no longer a luxury; it is an essential means of transportation for the population”, Botelho adds.

Mexico’s domestic market declines

During March, Brazil’s domestic market moved 7.5 million passengers, an increase of 1% compared to the previous year. The route between Brasilia and São Paulo (Congonhas) was the fastest growing, with 13% more passengers carried, while the busiest route, São Paulo (Congonhas) – Rio de Janeiro (Santos Dumont), experienced a 5% decrease.

In Colombia, domestic passenger traffic grew 9.3%, reaching 2.6 million passengers. The Bogotá-Pereira route stood out with a 58% increase, registering 1,264 frequencies in March. In addition, during this month, the country experienced a significant increase in seat capacity in the domestic market.

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In Mexico, domestic traffic decreased 7%, totaling 4.9 million passengers. However, the route between Santa Lucia (Mexico City) and Cancun recorded a 56% growth.

Argentina showed moderate growth of 1% in its domestic market, while Chile showed an increase of 6%, with the Calama – La Serena route standing out with an increase of 57%.

Venezuela and Panama also experienced significant increases in domestic traffic, with increases of 30% and 52%, respectively.

Colombia and Venezuela’s international market takes off

In March 2024, Colombia experienced a 32.3% growth in international air traffic, carrying a total of 1.8 million passengers. Brazil also saw a significant increase of 22%, registering 2.01 million passengers carried during the month. The Dominican Republic increased its international traffic by 13%, reaching 1.8 million passengers.

Mexico experienced a 12% increase in international passengers, while Argentina and Chile recorded increases of 17% and 24%, respectively. Venezuela led international growth with 68%.

In the year to date, Venezuela stood out with a 60% percentage increase in traffic. “This is an extremely relevant figure, but we assume that in absolute numbers there is still work to be done. That is why ALTA is working with local authorities to promote the most efficient measures to boost the air sector in the country,” says Botelho.

ALTA’s CEO reiterated that it is crucial that governments in the region recognize the strategic importance of the aviation industry and promote close collaboration to ensure sustainable growth for an essential sector. Greater investment in infrastructure and efficient regulation that promotes competitiveness and operational efficiency are needed.