Air travel demand reached record levels in 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The latest data shows total passenger traffic for the year increased by 10.4% compared to 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 3.8%. The overall load factor, which measures seat occupancy, reached an all-time high of 83.5%.
IATA’s report also highlighted that international passenger traffic grew by 13.6% in 2024, while domestic travel increased by 5.7%. Air travel demand in 2024 drove capacity expansion, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), which also saw an upward trend, rising by 8.7% for the year.
December 2024 capped off the year with an 8.6% increase in overall demand compared to the previous year. International traffic for the month grew by 10.6%, while domestic travel rose by 5.5%. The load factor for December hit 84%, the highest recorded for that month.
Industry Outlook for 2025
IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasized the continued demand for air travel. “2024 made it absolutely clear that people want to travel. With 10.4% demand growth, air travel demand in 2024 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 said.
Looking ahead, the demand for air travel is expected to continue growing, though at a more moderate rate of 8.0% in 2025. Walsh also pointed out ongoing challenges that need attention, particularly safety and sustainability. “The tragic accident in Washington last night reminds us that safety needs our continuous efforts. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We will never cease our work to make aviation ever safer.”
Airlines remain committed to reducing carbon emissions, with efforts focused on increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). “While airlines invested record amounts in purchases of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in 2024, less than 0.5% of fuel needs were met with SAF. SAF is in short supply and costs must come down. Air travel demand 2024 included efforts rapt at sustainability, and governments could fortify their national energy security and unblock this problem by prioritizing renewable fuel production from which SAF is derived. In addition to securing energy supplies and increasing the SAF supply, diverting a fraction of the subsidies given for fossil fuel extraction to support renewable energy capacity would also boost prosperity through economic expansion and job creation,” Walsh added.
Regional Air Travel Trends
International air traffic in 2024 exceeded the previous record set in 2019 by 0.5%, with all regions experiencing growth. The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest increase, with a 26.0% rise in international passenger demand compared to 2023. Despite this, international revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) in the region remained 8.7% below 2019 levels.
European airlines also experienced growth, with international traffic climbing 9.7% in 2024. Capacity in the region increased by 9.2%, and the load factor improved to 84.1%.
Middle Eastern airlines reported a 9.4% increase in traffic compared to 2023, while North American carriers saw a 6.8% rise in passenger numbers. Latin American airlines recorded a 14.4% increase, and African carriers saw a 13.2% jump in annual traffic.
Domestically, China continued to lead in passenger demand, with a 12.3% increase over 2023. Japan saw moderate growth of 3.2%, while India maintained the highest domestic load factor at 86.4%.
With air travel demand continuing to rise, airlines are expected to focus on operational efficiency and sustainability efforts in the coming years. The notable air travel demand in 2024 serves as a benchmark for future trends.
