According to the IATA report, total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased by 5.8% year-on-year. The load factor in September was 83.6% (+1.0 ppt compared to September 2023).
International demand increased by 9.2% compared to September 2023. Capacity increased by 9.1% year-on-year and load factor was 83.8% (+0.1ppt compared to September 2023).
Domestic demand increased by 3.7% compared to September 2023. Capacity increased by 0.7% year-on-year and load factor was 83.3% (+2.4ppt compared to September 2023).
“The year’s peak travel season ended with demand at a record level. This is good news not just for passengers, but for the global economy. Every flight creates more jobs and trade. But the success story of air travel brings with it challenges. We will soon face a capacity crisis in some regions that threatens to roll back these economic and social benefits. Governments will face a choice: lose out to more dynamic nations that value global connectivity, or forge a consensus for sustainable growth. Airlines are making significant investments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. That must be matched by an equally active political vision, backed by action, to ensure we have sufficient and efficient airport and air traffic management capacity to meet the travel needs of citizens and businesses,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Regional breakdown: international passenger markets
All regions showed growth in international passenger markets in September 2024 compared to September 2023. Load factors were mixed: Europe had the highest load factors, and airlines in Asia and Africa also improved, but the Americas and the Middle East suffered declines.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a year-on-year increase in demand of 18.5%. Capacity increased by 17.7% year-on-year and load factor was 82.6% (+0.5 ppt compared to September 2023).
European airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 7.6%. Capacity increased by 7.4% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.9% (+0.2 pp compared to September 2023).
Middle East airlines reported a year-on-year increase in demand of 4.4%. Capacity increased by 4.6% year-on-year and load factor was 81.4% (-0.1 pp compared to September 2023).
North American airlines reported a year-on-year increase in demand of 0.5%. Capacity increased by 1.9% year-on-year and load factor was 84.4% (-1.1 ppt compared to September 2023).
Latin American airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 12.4%. Capacity increased by 13.9% year-on-year. Load factor was 84.3% (-1.1ppt compared to September 2023).
African airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 11.9%. Capacity increased by 6.6% year-on-year. Load factor increased to 76.0% (+3.6 ppt compared to September 2023).
Domestic passenger markets
All key markets showed stable growth in domestic demand and all except Japan recorded record highs in domestic traffic in September.
Source: IATA.