Over 40% of all outbound passengers in the first half of 2024 will be departing from just 10 countries, according to an analysis from travel intelligence provider Mabrian. The firm looked at all the scheduled flights and compiled a ranking of the countries with the most seats scheduled for departure.
The analysis covers travel dates from 1 January to 30 June 2024, and compares the forecast with the same period in 2023. The research shows that the total air seats for just 10 countries amount to 482,102,279, contributing to 42% of the global international air seats in the first half of the year.
Anticipating the potential of origin markets regarding their outbound air connectivity is a key factor in identifying where tourist demand will be.
Carlos Cendra, CMO at Mabrian
“The resurgence of China with a substantial number of routes and seats is promising, and if this growth continues, 2024 could surpass 2019 as the year with the highest international connections”, Gavin Eccles, director of GE Consulting, a company specialized in air connectivity, commented on the analysis. “Additionally, the influence of Emirates and Etihad is evident in the considerable international seats offered through the UAE, highlighting Dubai and Abu Dhabi as global hubs facilitating travel to and through the region.”
Within the realm of geographic markets, a notable advancement in connectivity between Europe and China stands out. As of 1 December, citizens of 5 EU Member States, as well as Malaysia, are able to visit China visa-free for up to 15 days. The visa exemption for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain aims not only to promote tourism but also “to facilitate the high-quality development of Chinese and foreign personnel exchanges and high-level opening up to the outside world”, according to a briefing by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. In January, Ireland and Switzerland were also granted visa-free entry to China for short term visits.
The measures have led to a remarkable increase in connectivity, with Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands collectively offering 1.98 million air seats in the first 6 months of this year, an 190% increase compared to the 682,000 seats from the first half of 2023.
