The International Air Transport Association (Iata) said international air traffic for October showed a second consecutive month of global decline.

"African carriers saw the largest decline with international traffic dropping by 12,9 per cent in October.

It is the only region where traffic deteriorated relative to September.

This continues the year-long trend of Africa being the weakest market for air traffic with falls in both intercontinental and regional travel," Iata said in a press release.

"The gloom continues and the situation of the industry remains critical.

While the drop in oil prices is welcome relief, recession is now the biggest threat to airline profitability.

The slight slowing in the decline of passenger traffic is likely only temporary.

The deepening slump in cargo markets is a clear indication that the worst is yet to come," said Giovanni Bisignani, Iata's director general and chief executive.

Asia-Pacific carriers, which represent 31 per cent of global international passenger traffic, saw passenger traffic decline by 6,1 per cent (slightly improved from the 6,8 per cent decline in September).

Iata continued: "A capacity reduction of 2,3 per cent could not keep pace with the drop in demand, taking load factors for the region's carriers to 72.2 per cent.

Year-to-date growth for Asia-Pacific carriers fell to 0.3 per cent, the weakest growth outside of Africa."

The statistics compiled by Iata indicated that European carriers saw traffic rebound slightly into positive territory with 1.8% growth in October.

While trans-Atlantic traffic growth was flat for the month, with both the European and US economies in recession further declines in international traffic for both regions' carriers are expected.

Latin American and Middle Eastern airlines recorded 4,5 per cent and 3,5 per cent growth, respectively.

While better than the September traffic figures, both regions remain well below the double-digit growth rates experienced over the first half of the year.

Economic forecasts for both regions see considerable slowing of GDP growth over the next 12 months to the 2-4% range.

Airlines in both regions can expect a continued slowing of growth.

Middle Eastern carriers were the only others to report growth of 1 per cent in October.

"As the global economic downturn reshapes the world's financial industry, policy makers must also understand that change is needed in air transport.

Unlike the finance industry, airlines are not asking for handouts.

Commercial freedom, efficiency and a fair treatment in taxes are needed," said Bisignani.