Foreign arrivals at Atlanta airport drop 6%
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Foreign arrivals into major U.S. airports including Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport tumbled in mid-to-late March compared to the same time last year, based on customs pass-through data.
Why it matters: The findings suggest a sudden reluctance to visit the U.S. isn't a purely Canadian phenomenon and should sound alarm bells for the country's $1 trillion-plus travel industry.
Driving the news: The number of foreigners passing through customs at the 10 busiest U.S. airports fell by over 20% year over year toward late March, based on a seven-day rolling average.
- A sight uptick followed, but the number was still down 18.4% as of March 28 versus the same time last year.
- Compare that to the number of U.S. citizens returning to the country, which was up nearly 14% during the same timeframe.
Context: Spring break may have played a role here, and many people book trips in advance with little flexibility.
Between the lines: Trade wars, a volatile economic and political climate and fears of detainment or harassment may be dissuading foreigners from visiting the U.S.
What they're saying: "We're certainly starting to hear reports from international airlines about a softening of demand to the U.S.," Sean Cudahy, aviation reporter at The Points Guy, tells Axios via email.
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