IATA Reports Record Air Travel Demand in 2024

IATA Reports Record Air Travel Demand in 2024

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported record high demand for air travel in 2024.

Total traffic rose 10.4% compared to 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3.8%. Capacity increased by 8.7%, and the load factor reached a record 83.5%.

International Traffic Surges

International traffic grew 13.6% in 2024. Capacity rose 12.8%. December saw a 10.6% increase in demand. The load factor for December hit 84%, a record for the month.

Domestic Markets See Growth

Domestic traffic increased 5.7% in 2024. Capacity expanded by 2.5%. China led with a 12.3% rise in domestic RPKs. Japan saw 3.2% growth despite a slight capacity contraction.

Regional Highlights

  • Asia-Pacific: Traffic rose 26% in 2024. Capacity increased 24.7%. Load factor climbed to 83.8%.
  • Europe: Traffic grew 9.7%. Capacity rose 9.2%. Load factor reached 84.1%.
  • Middle East: Traffic increased 9.4%. Capacity grew 8.4%. Load factor hit 80.8%.
  • North America: Traffic rose 6.8%. Capacity increased 7.4%. Load factor slightly decreased to 84.2%.
  • Latin America: Traffic climbed 14.4%. Capacity rose 14.3%. Load factor reached 84.8%.
  • Africa: Traffic increased 13.2%. Capacity grew 9.5%. Load factor hit 74.5%.

Looking Ahead to 2025

IATA expects travel demand to grow by 8% in 2025. Safety and sustainability remain priorities. Airlines aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage is low but crucial for future goals.