Global Air Passenger Demand Reaches Record High in 2024, IATA Reports

Global air passenger demand soared to new heights in 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The latest full-year data reveals a record-breaking recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Total traffic for 2024, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), rose by 10.4 percent compared to 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 3.8 percent. This impressive growth occurred despite constraints on capacity expansion and ongoing efforts to enhance aviation sustainability.

Capacity increased by 8.7 percent, while the global load factor reached an all-time high of 83.5 percent.

“On average, 83.5 percent of all seats on offer were filled — a new record high, partially attributable to the supply chain constraints that limited capacity growth,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh.

According to Walsh, 2024 made it “absolutely clear” that people want to travel. “With 10.4 percent demand growth, travel reached record numbers domestically and internationally. Airlines met that strong demand with record efficiency,” he added.

International and domestic performance

International traffic in 2024 increased by 13.6 percent compared to 2023, with capacity rising 12.8 percent. Domestic traffic rose by 5.7 percent, while capacity expanded by 2.5 percent.

December 2024 alone marked a strong finish, with overall demand rising 8.6 percent year-on-year and capacity growing by 5.6 percent. International demand grew by 10.6 percent, while domestic demand increased by 5.5 percent. The December load factor hit a record 84 percent.

International passenger markets

Full-year international traffic surpassed 2019 levels by 0.5 percent, with growth recorded across all regions. Capacity remained 0.9 percent below 2019 levels, but the load factor improved by 0.5 percentage points to a record 83.2 percent.

For December, international demand increased by 10.6 percent compared to the previous year, with capacity rising 7.7 percent and the load factor reaching 83.9 percent, a 2.2 percentage-point improvement.

Domestic passenger markets: A year of strong growth

Domestic markets also showed strong growth. China led the way with a 12.3 percent increase in demand, while Japan recorded a 3.2 percent rise despite a slight contraction in capacity. India saw a minor dip in its load factor but maintained the highest domestic load factor at 86.4 percent.

Looking ahead to 2025

IATA’s director general forecasts continued demand growth in 2025, though at a more moderate pace of 8 percent, aligning more closely with historical averages.

“The desire to partake in the freedom that flying makes possible brings some challenges into sharp focus,” Walsh noted, highlighting the industry’s commitment to safety and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Challenges and sustainability outlook

Sustainability remains a key focus for the aviation sector. Walsh acknowledged that while airlines purchased record amounts of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in 2024, it still accounts for less than 0.5 percent of total aviation fuel consumption. He called on governments to prioritize renewable fuel production and support the transition to clean energy.