Two separate reports compare September travel numbers with the downturn that accompanied the SARS scare of 2003.
The International Air Transport Association put out a strongly worded press release headlined ‘Alarming Drop for September International Traffic.’
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO said, ‘The deterioration in traffic is alarmingly fast-paced and widespread. We have not seen such a decline in passenger traffic since SARS in 2003.’
Another analysis — from business consultant Deloitte — this one from the British hotel industry, also references the SARS era, saying ‘September was the worst month since August 2003 when SARS scares reduced travel.’
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Source: Wall Street Journal