Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • ICAO sees 1.5bn fewer international air travellers in 2020

Aerospace

ICAO sees 1.5bn fewer international air travellers in 2020

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has issued its first complete 2020 air passenger forecast, which revealed that airlines may be faced with 1.5 billion fewer international air travellers this year.

Above:  ICAO’s Council President Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano (right) and its Secretary General Dr Fang Liu (left), during a recent ICAO Council Session.
Courtesy ICAO

In parallel, international seat capacity could drop by almost three-quarters, resulting in a 273 billion dollar loss compared to previously expected gross operating revenues.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

“In updated analysis, the analytical timeframe was extended for another three months to December 2020, and more reliable air fare data was used to calculate revenue reduction,” advised ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu.

ICAO has been providing regularly updated analyses on the economic impact of COVID-19 on air transport since early February 2020, and is providing continuous guidance to air transport planners, regulators, and operators.

The projections are significant to many countries now planning their COVID-19 recovery scenarios, given the importance of tourism, global supply chains, and many other air connectivity factors to local socio-economic prosperity.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

The full version of the new ICAO report, along with all other ICAO forecast and guidance materials, are available free of charge for governments, the industry and the general public through the UN aviation agency’s COVID-19 information portal.


 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Cranfield hosts global trade and investment delegation

Aerospace

Cranfield hosts global trade and investment delegation

23 October 2025

A delegation of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioners and Investment Directors from the Department for Business and Trade visited Cranfield University yesterday to explore investment and growth opportunities in the region.

HAV secures first military aircraft reservation for Airlander

Aerospace Defence

HAV secures first military aircraft reservation for Airlander

23 October 2025

Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd (HAV), the designer of Airlander, has today announced the reservation of a further three aircraft, representing the first Airlander 10 aircraft destined for defence use.

Transport Secretary launches ANPS review

Aerospace

Transport Secretary launches ANPS review

22 October 2025

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander today launched a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which will provide the framework within which any future expansion of Heathrow - with a third runway - will be considered.

Birmingham Airport confirms £300m investment plan

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport confirms £300m investment plan

22 October 2025

At the Regional Investment Summit today, Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport, has committed to a £300 million investment over the following four years, as passenger numbers are expected to reach around 17 million by 2029.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advanced Engineering launches AI reality check report

Aerospace Events

Advanced Engineering launches AI reality check report

21 October 2025

Advanced Engineering has launched a new report to provide a timely 'AI reality check' for the UK’s manufacturing and engineering sectors.

ECS Group appoints João Ferreira as Regional Commercial Director – Americas

Aerospace

ECS Group appoints João Ferreira as Regional Commercial Director – Americas

21 October 2025

ECS Group has appointed João Ferreira as its new Regional Commercial Director for the Americas, a key step in the Group’s growth strategy across one of the most dynamic air cargo markets worldwide.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle