Political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa during February slowed global air passenger traffic growth

, according to the International Air Transport Association. Overall traffic increased 6 percent year over year, down from the 8.4 percent increase recorded in January, as the turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa cut international traffic by about 1 percent, IATA estimated. "Another series of shocks is denting the industry's recovery from the recession," according to IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani. "The tragic earthquake and its aftermath in Japan will most certainly see a further dampening of demand from March. The industry fundamentals are good. But extraordinary circumstances have made the first quarter of 2011 very difficult."