Latin America and Caribbean Set New Aviation Record, Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels

Thursday, February 15, 2024

The transportation of 451.6 million air passengers isn’t just an arbitrary figure; it marks a historic milestone for the aviation sector in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. This number signifies a growth of 52.9 million passengers or 13.3% over 2022, and it surpasses the 2019 figures by 3.9%.

This achievement breaks records in the region, following a consistent upward trend from 2010 until the sudden halt in 2020 due to the pandemic. The milestone signifies a resumption of growth.

In 2023, the Caribbean led with the highest growth rates: a 20% increase in passenger numbers, a 15% rise in flight operations, and a 16% growth in seat capacity compared to 2022, as detailed in the LAC Air Passenger Traffic Report by the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA).

“The report certainly reflects very encouraging results. However, we can still fly much higher. Well, if we have these results with such complex, and sometimes adverse, environments, then imagine how this performance could be enhanced with an efficient environment,” highlights José Ricardo Botelho, executive director and CEO of ALTA; who advocates that States include aviation in their agendas as an essential sector.

“It is urgent to implement measures that promote efficiencies, 1. updating our legislation, 2. reviewing taxes, fees and contributions that many times are not even related to the operation or the sector, 3. generating incentives and 4. guaranteeing the legal security that promotes investment and with a better strategic vision, taking aviation as an ally for the socioeconomic development of the countries,” he explains.

December Summary:

In December, there was a 6.3% increase in passenger volume over 2022, making it the second busiest month of the year. This rise equates to an additional 2.4 million travelers, with 1.5 million (62%) of these being attributed to the international market outside the region. The month also saw a 3.3% increase over December 2019, indicating a continued positive movement towards sector recovery.

Country-Specific Performance in December:

• Colombia witnessed a surge to 49.5 million passengers, up by 2.8% from 2022, and saw a significant 30% increase in its international market presence.
• Brazil surpassed the 100 million passenger mark, achieving 95% of its 2019 traffic levels.
• The Dominican Republic set a new record with a 13% increase in passenger numbers over 2022.
• Costa Rica broke its previous 2019 record by welcoming 7.9 million passengers, marking an 11% increase from 2019 and a 26% rise over 2022.
• Panama experienced a landmark year with 18.2 million passengers, 8% more than its 2019 record and 16% above 2022 figures.
• Ecuador achieved a milestone by handling 8.5 million passengers, its highest since 2013, with a notable rise in international traffic in August.

2023 Overview:

The year transported 451.6 million passengers, representing a 13.3% growth. There were 3.6 million flights, marking an 8.6% increase from 2022, and a 10.5% rise in seat availability to 285.8 million. South America led in air traffic with 246.6 million passengers, offering 310.6 million seats across 1.9 million flights for the year. The Caribbean experienced the highest growth rate, with passenger numbers up by 20%, seat capacity by 16%, and flight numbers by 15% from 2022. December was notably the peak month for international passenger travel, with 19.4 million individuals transported.

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