Air passenger demand in 2024 hit record high
January 31, 2025
Global air travel demand soared to record levels in 2024, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Total passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), rose by 10.4% compared to 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 3.8%. Capacity increased by 8.7%, with the overall load factor reaching a record 83.5%.
International travel saw a 13.6% rise in demand, with capacity growing by 12.8%. Domestic travel also expanded, with a 5.7% increase in passenger traffic and a 2.5% rise in capacity.
December 2024 capped off a strong year, with demand rising by 8.6% year-on-year. International traffic surged 10.6%, while domestic demand grew by 5.5%. The December load factor reached 84%, the highest ever recorded for the month.
IATA’s figures highlight the aviation sector’s robust recovery, driven by strong passenger demand worldwide.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “2024 made it absolutely clear that people want to travel. With 10.4% demand growth, travel reached record numbers domestically and internationally.
“Airlines met that strong demand with record efficiency. On average, 83.5% of all seats on offer were filled—a new record high, partially attributable to the supply chain constraints that limited capacity growth.
“Aviation growth reverberates across societies and economies at all levels through jobs, market development, trade, innovation, exploration, and much more.”
He added: “Looking to 2025, there is every indication that demand for travel will continue to grow, albeit at a moderated pace of 8.0% that is more aligned with historical averages.”
