The head of a global airlines industry body said on Monday that growing trade barriers risked damaging the economy and the air travel sector, and ¡°unacceptable¡± plane delivery delays were frustrating growth plans at a time of record passenger numbers.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) shaved a key forecast for 2025 industry-wide profits, blaming trade tensions and declining consumer confidence.

¡°Like all forms of connectivity, flying makes the world more prosperous,¡± IATA Director General Willie Walsh said at the group¡¯s annual meeting in New Delhi.