IATA: Solid Growth in Passenger Demand Continued in October

Global air travel demand increased by 7.1 percent year-on-year in October 2024, with international markets leading growth at +9.5 percent, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In its latest update, IATA reported a 6.1 percent rise in total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), compared to October 2023. Load factors climbed to 83.9 percent (+0.8ppt), reflecting improved efficiency across regions.

“Continued strong and stable demand is good news, but just as important is the steady improvement in load factors,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh. “It shows what a great job the industry is doing in flying people more efficiently.”

International and domestic demand

International demand surged 9.5 percent year-on-year, with capacity up by 8.6 percent. The load factor rose to 83.5 percent (+0.6ppt). Domestic demand increased by 3.5 percent compared to October 2023, while capacity expanded 2.0 percent. Domestic load factors reached 84.5 percent (+1.2ppt), highlighting continued recovery in domestic markets.

Regional highlights

All regions experienced growth in international passenger markets during October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Europe and North America, two of the largest air traffic regions, accelerated growth significantly, boosting overall industry performance. Europe recorded the highest load factors, driven by strong demand in Central and Eastern European markets and resilient demand in Western Europe despite economic pressures.

Asia Pacific carriers led the global recovery, with revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) increasing by 17.5 percent year-on-year, fueled primarily by surging domestic travel in China. Latin America recorded a 10.9 percent increase in international traffic, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

In contrast, the Middle East and African carriers posted moderate RPK growth of 2.2 percent and 10.4 percent, respectively. North American international routes presented mixed results: the Asia–North America route grew by 15.2 percent but remained below pre-pandemic levels, while South America routes saw declines after a surge in 2023.

Domestic passenger markets

The U.S. reported a slight decline in domestic demand, while other key markets maintained stable growth. In China, surging domestic demand is being met by an increased deployment of wide-body aircraft.

Walsh: Why full planes are key to efficiency

IATA Director General Willie Walsh.

Commenting on the progress made in improving air travel efficiency, Walsh highlighted the importance of high load factors in minimizing environmental impact.

“Average seat factors have risen from around 67 percent in the 1990s to over 83 percent today. Politicians thinking of trying to tax passengers off planes to reduce emissions would do well to note this. Even if fewer people fly because taxes make it too expensive, it doesn’t automatically mean reduced emissions because the planes will still fly, just with fewer passengers. That would reverse decades of hard-won progress,” he said.

Walsh emphasized that keeping planes full is essential to achieving economic and social benefits while minimizing emissions.