The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported robust global passenger growth in April 2025, with total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rising 8.0% compared to April 2024. This surge, driven by a strong international demand increase of 10.8% year-on-year, reflects a vibrant discovery in air travel, particularly in international markets. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), grew by 6.5%, resulting in a record-breaking April load factor of 84.1% for international flights, a 1.7% annual rise.
Growth across regions
International markets showed resilience across all regions, with Asia-Pacific airlines leading at 14.4% global passenger growth rate, supported by a 12.7% capacity increase and an 85.3% load factor. European carriers reported a 9.4% rise in strong international demand, while airlines in the Middle East saw an 11.2% demand increase alongside a 3.4-point load factor gain to 83.1%. African airlines, too, rebounded with a 13.6% demand surge, and Latin American carriers posted a 13.9% increase, though their load factor slightly dipped. North American international demand grew by 5.4%, but a 26% drop in premium class travel highlighted emerging market challenges.
Domestic markets
Domestic markets grew more modestly at 3.3%, with India and Brazil achieving global passenger growth of 10.1% and 13.5% respectively. However, the U.S. domestic market contracted by 0.5% for the third consecutive month, signalling emerging market challenges as consumer confidence wanes. The domestic load factor remained stable at 82.7%, with India maintaining the highest at 85.7%.
Market concerns
IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted the encouraging return of transatlantic growth but cautioned about fragility in consumer and business confidence, particularly in North America. He highlighted India’s strong international demand and domestic growth as a testament to aviation’s role in driving economic development. Despite emerging market challenges, the April data reveals a resilience within the aviation sector.
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