The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its report for August. The data suggests a rise in the passenger demand by 4.6% in the month of August.
Data Highlights
The Total demand is measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK). Compared to August 2024, total demand increased by 4.6% in August 2025.
Meanwhile, the August load factor was 86.0%, representing a 0.1 ppt growth this year.
The international demand rose by 6.6%, whereas the capacity grew by 6.5% year on year. The load factor was 85.8%, and a growth of 0.1% was seen.
In addition to this, the domestic demand grew by 1.5% compared to August 2024. The capacity was up 1.3% year on year, whereas the load factor was 86.3%.
This report by IATA indicates growth in the demand for air travel in August 2025. The summer travel season recorded a new high this year.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General said,
“August year-on-year demand growth of 4.6% confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high. Moreover, planes were operating with more seats filled than ever with a record load factor of 86%. Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4% more capacity. Airlines are doing their best to meet travel demand by maximizing efficiency, making it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges.”
Regional Breakdown of the Air Travel Market
The international on-year RPK growth in August reached 6.6%. Meanwhile, the international traffic was high at 87% of the net increase in global RPK in August.
It is important to highlight that RPK, Revenue Passenger Kilometres, is a metric in aviation which measures the number of kilometres travelled by paying passengers.
- Asia Pacific airlines achieved a 9.8% year-on-year growth in demand.
- European carriers experienced a growth in year-on-year demand of 5.3%.
- North American carriers saw a growth of 1.8% year-on-year in demand.
- Middle Eastern carriers grew to 8.2% year on year in demand.
- Latin American airlines witnessed an increase of 9.0% year on year in demand.
- African Airlines saw an increase in its demand, 7.1%.
In addition to this, the Domestic Passenger Market’s RPK rose by 1.5% as compared to August 2024 and contributed merely 13% of the global increase in August RPK, which is a steep decline from 25% last year.
What do you think about the rise in international demand for air travel and the downfall of the domestic air travel industry? Let us know in the comments below!
