July saw rising passenger volumes for Europe, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

European carriers experienced an increase of 3.7 per cent in year-on-year comparisons for July. IATA noted this was, however, a decline when compared to June's rise of 5.3 per cent. Capacity also went up by 3.6 per cent.

Internationally, revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) - a measurement of air passenger traffic - developed by 5.1 per cent. Available seat kilometres (ASK) - a similar unit that records the potential traffic available - was up 5.4 per cent.

Domestic travel - which is not as important in Europe due to the size of countries and distances between them - increased RPK by 4.8 per cent, with ASK rising 5.8 per cent, suggesting it is not improving as fast as international flights.

Chief executive officer and director general for IATA Tony Tyler said: "Passenger demand continues to be strong. But the story of emerging markets driving growth as developed economies stagnate could be shifting. We are still expecting growth of five per cent this year."

IATA indicates that all regions had positive results.

The figures come quickly after IATA published similar information regarding cargo statistics in July. Europe and the global industry were reported to experience strong growth despite weaknesses in Asia.