Global air passenger traffic in 2024 rose 10.4 percent compared to 2023 and 3.8 percent above pre-pandemic levels. Total capacity increased 8.7 percent in 2024 and the overall load factor reached 83.5 percent, a record for full-year traffic.
In its latest report, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) also revealed that international full-year air traffic in 2024 increased 13.6 percent compared to 2023, and capacity rose 12.8 percent. Meanwhile, domestic full-year air traffic for 2024 rose 5.7 percent compared to the prior year, while capacity expanded by 2.5 percent.
“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. 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,” stated Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
December 2024 sees notable surge in demand
December 2024 was a strong finish to the year with overall demand rising 8.6 percent year-on-year. During the month, capacity grew by 5.6 percent, international demand rose by 10.6 percent and domestic demand by 5.5 percent. The December load factor reached 84 percent, a record for the month.
“Looking to 2025, there is every indication that demand for travel will continue to grow, albeit at a moderated pace of 8.0 percent that is more aligned with historical averages. The desire to partake in the freedom that flying makes possible brings some challenges into sharp focus. First, the tragic accident in Washington last night reminds us that safety needs our continuous efforts,” added Walsh.
Asia-Pacific airlines see strongest growth
International air traffic in 2024 surpassed the previous 2019 high by 0.5 percent, with growth in all regions. Capacity was 0.9 percent lower than 2019. Meanwhile, the load factor improved by 0.5 percentage points, finishing at 83.2 percent, a record high.
For the month of December, international demand grew by 10.6 percent, capacity increased 7.7 percent and the load factor improved by 2.2 percentage points to 83.9 percent.
Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 26 percent rise in full-year international air traffic, maintaining the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions in 2024. Capacity rose 24.7 percent and the load factor climbed 0.8 percentage points to 83.8 percent. Despite this strong growth, opportunities for further growth remain high, as international RPKs remain 8.7 percent below 2019 levels. December 2024 traffic rose 17.1 percent compared to December 2023.
Last year, European carriers’ air traffic climbed 9.7 percent annually. Capacity increased 9.2 percent and load factor rose 0.4 percentage points to 84.1 percent. In December, demand climbed 8.6 percent compared to the same month in 2023.
Middle Eastern airlines see 9.4 percent traffic growth
Meanwhile, Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.4 percent air traffic rise in 2024 compared to 2023. Capacity increased 8.4 percent and load factor climbed 0.7 percentage points to 80.8 percent. December demand climbed 7.7 percent compared to the same month in 2023.
In North America, carriers reported a 6.8 percent annual air traffic rise in 2024. Capacity increased 7.4 percent while load factor fell 0.5 percentage points to 84.2 percent. December 2024 traffic rose 5.1 percent compared to a year ago.
Finally, African airlines saw a 13.2 percent rise in annual air traffic. Capacity was up 9.5 percent and load factor climbed 2.5 percentage points to 74.5 percent, the lowest among regions but a record high for Africa. December 2024 traffic for African airlines rose 12.4 percent over December 2023.
Domestic demand hits new highs
Domestic demand reached record highs for passenger numbers and load factors. The standout performer for 2024 Domestic RPK was once again China, which increased 12.3 percent over 2023.
There was stable growth across other major domestic markets. Japan achieved 3.2 percent growth while capacity contracted by 0.3 percent. Only India had a fall in load factor, but still achieved a load factor of 86.4 percent, the highest among all domestic markets.
