The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global passenger demand in September 2025 increased by 3.6% compared to the previous year. 90% of the increase was driven by strong international demand.
IATA released global air traffic data for September 2025.
Total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), increased by 3.6% compared to September 2024. Available seat kilometres (ASK) rose by 3.7%, and the global load factor was recorded at 83.4%.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated, “90% of the overall growth in September was driven by international demand. Although capacity growth slightly outpaced demand, the 83.4% load factor reflects a strong market outlook. November schedules also show that airlines are entering the year-end holiday season with growth momentum. This is a significant achievement, despite ongoing supply chain constraints.”
International Traffic Led the Growth
International passenger demand increased by 5.1% year-on-year, while capacity grew by 5.2%, and the load factor stood at 83.6%.
In domestic markets, demand grew by 0.9%, capacity increased by 1.1%, and the load factor was recorded at 83.0%.
Regional Overview: Asia-Pacific Leading
Asia-Pacific airlines saw a robust 7.4% year-on-year growth in demand. The region was driven by domestic traffic, especially from China and Japan.
European carriers came second with a 4.0% increase in demand.
The Middle East market grew by 6.3%, while Latin American airlines reported a 5.3% increase.
In Africa, demand rose by 5.3%, while North America grew by just 2.5%, falling below the global average.
In terms of load factors, Europe reached the highest level at 86.2%, while Africa recorded the lowest at 74.9%.
Domestic Markets: Brazil Leads, US Lags
In domestic markets, Brazil stood out with a double-digit growth of 12.1%. China’s domestic traffic increased by 5%, while the US domestic market saw a 1.7% decline. In Japan, the load factor reached 84.9%, above the global average.
