Global air passenger demand decreased by 9.3 per cent during May 2009, compared with the same period in 2008, according to new figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The outbreak of the swine flu illness contributed to a 40 per cent decline in demand for passenger travel with Mexican carriers, while the Middle Eastern market was the only one to show signs of growth, with carriers reporting a 9.5 per cent increase in demand.

IATA director general and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani, said: "The impact on revenue is dramatic. After a 20 per cent fall in international passenger revenue in the first quarter, we estimate that the drop accelerated to as much as minus 30 per cent in May. This crisis is the worst we have ever seen.

"Even if we look beyond the crisis, it is difficult to see a return to business as usual. This crisis is re-shaping the industry. The burden cannot be placed on airlines alone. All partners in the value chain must be prepared to change-reducing costs and improving efficiencies."