Global air passenger traffic rose by 6.1 percent in April as demand picked up in the Middle East, the International Air Transport Association said on Wednesday.
Middle Eastern airlines recorded a 16 percent rise in passenger demand compared to North America airlines which expanded 1.6 percent on April 2011.
"Despite continuing economic weakness in some parts of the world, demand for air travel continues to grow, said IATA.
"The 6.1% overall growth recorded for April is above the 20-year trend."
In Europe passenger demand grew 5.9 percent, beaten by the Asia-Pacific region (9.3 percent), Latin America (9 percent) and Africa (7 percent).
Global freight demand was meanwhile down 4.2 percent on last year.
"The growth in passenger markets is encouraging," said IATA chief executive Tony Tyler.
"But it comes against an environment of continuing high oil prices and growing economic uncertainty.
"So translating the stronger demand into profits will be difficult."
