Global air traffic grows 4% in July, according to IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), rose 4% in July 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASKs), increased 4.4%, and load factor stood at 85.5%, just 0.4 percentage points below the year-ago level.

In the international segment, demand grew 5.3% with a 5.8% increase in capacity, while the load factor reached 85.6%. Latin America was the most dynamic region, with a 7.2% expansion in demand and a 7.5% increase in capacity, achieving 85.7% occupancy. On international flights in the region, the jump was even greater: 9.3% growth in demand, accompanied by an 11.3% increase in capacity and a load factor of 85.8%.

The global domestic market also showed progress, with a 1.9% increase in demand and a 2.4% increase in capacity, closing with a load factor of 85.2%. Brazil led the domestic performance, and Japan reached a record for July with 81.4% occupancy.

Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, emphasized that the northern hemisphere summer was positive for airlines and that the growth trend is clear, especially in international travel. He also noted that, with flight volumes showing a 2% year-over-year increase in September after several months of slowdown, airlines are well positioned to capitalize on this momentum in the coming months.

Source: IATA.