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.