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
ODU RT

“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
ODU RT

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
Gulfstream banner
Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

Aerospace

Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

24 April 2026

The first of 30 Airbus A321XLRs for Canada’s flag carrier Air Canada, has been delivered.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

Aerospace Events

Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

24 April 2026

Boeing and Ontic have announced a new distribution agreement at MRO Americas to supply Grimes engine valves to commercial airlines worldwide, pairing Boeing Distribution’s global reach with Ontic’s manufacturing to shorten lead times and improve aircraft readiness.

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

Aerospace Security

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

24 April 2026

On World Pilot Day (Sunday 26th April) air ambulance pilots are teaming up with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to urge drone users to fly responsibly after emergency helicopter flights were disrupted by drones during lifesaving missions in 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

Aerospace

Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

23 April 2026

Cranfield University has been selected to play a key role in a major UK research initiative aimed at improving the understanding of aviation’s non CO₂ climate impacts.

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

Aerospace

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

23 April 2026

Ontic has introduced a new teardown procurement initiative to address one of the industry's most persistent challenges, namely the availability of hard-to-source components for established platforms.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner