IATA Expresses Concerns Over Post-Summer Air Travel Demand Amid Economic Uncertainty
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concerns about air travel demand trends following the summer season. At its annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro, IATA's Regional Vice President Rafael Schvartzman highlighted that while a strong summer is anticipated for European air travel, the demand for travel post-summer remains uncertain. This uncertainty is attributed to higher travel costs being passed on to consumers, potentially leading to reduced spending due to economic instability. Despite these concerns, Schvartzman assured that there is no expected jet fuel shortage at the European level for the summer, although he noted that this assessment is valid for the next 4-6 weeks. Additionally, the introduction of the European entry and exit system has caused significant delays for non-European travelers, with waiting times reaching 4-6 hours in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. 
