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The number of passengers flying around the world has increased by 6.4% in the first seven months of the year.

Figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show aeroplanes were also fuller as the increased numbers of passengers outpaced the number of new flights on offer.

In July, 80.8% of seats were filled worldwide with North American carriers having 85.9% of seats filled.

The crisis in the Middle East hit flights to the area in July and it is expected that a similar dip in the number of UK flights will occur in the August statistics after the recent terror alert.

IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani said: 'For the first time in two years, Middle Eastern carriers were not the leaders in cargo or passenger growth. The slowdown was isolated with little impact even to the region's dominant carriers.

'While we expect to see another isolated dip in August due to the UK terror alert, overall, improved efficiency and high load factors will help to mitigate the impact of the high oil prices.'

He added airlines should be able to remain profitable without upping ticket prices through 'a disciplined focus on efficiency'.


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