According to IATA data, global air passenger demand increased by 5.3% in 2025. Load factors in international travel reached record levels.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published global passenger market performance data for the full year 2025 and for December 2025. The data revealed that demand for air travel reached record levels in 2025 and that the sector continued its strong growth.
Total demand increased by 5.3%
According to IATA data, total global passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 5.3% in 2025 compared to 2024. Over the same period, total capacity measured in available seat kilometres (ASK) rose by 5.2%.
The global average passenger load factor (PLF) reached 83.6%, marking the highest annual level on record.
Historic load factors in the international market
In 2025, international passenger demand increased by 7.1% year-on-year, while capacity rose by 6.8%. Load factors on international routes reached a record level of 83.5%.
In the domestic market, annual demand increased by 2.4% and capacity by 2.5%. The domestic load factor stood at 83.7%.
December 2025 marked a strong finish
In December 2025, global passenger demand increased by 5.6% year-on-year, while capacity rose by 5.9%. The average load factor for the month was 83.7%, indicating that the year ended with a strong finish.
Willie Walsh: Real solutions are needed
IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated that growth in 2025 highlighted two key challenges for the industry:
“Strong demand growth has made decarbonisation and supply chain issues more visible. Governments need to support the process with fiscal policies that increase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.”
Walsh emphasised that supply chain problems were the biggest headache for airlines in 2025, noting that delays in new aircraft and engine deliveries could push costs beyond USD 11 billion. He stated that 2026 should be a year of recovery.
Asia-Pacific leads regional performance
In 2025, the strongest growth in international passenger traffic was recorded in the Asia-Pacific region. The region grew by 10.9% year-on-year, while achieving the highest load factor among all regions at 84.4%.
- Europe: 6% annual growth
- Middle East: 6.7% increase
- Latin America: 8.6% growth
- Africa: 7.8% increase
- North America: Slowest growth at 2.1%
Record levels in domestic markets
In domestic passenger markets, demand and load factors reached record levels in 2025. Brazil became the fastest-growing domestic market with an increase of 11.1%, while India recorded the highest load factor at 85.2%.
