Global Air Passenger Traffic Increases 5% to 1.16 Billion

A total of 1.16 billion people have traveled by air on scheduled international and domestic flights worldwide this year, 5% more than last, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The group forecasts that the 5% traffic growth level will be sustained through year-end.

The number of passengers flying each year has increased steadily from 752 million in 1981, it added.

The International Civil Aviation Organization oversees the safety and efficiency of air traffic worldwide. It has 161 member countries.