The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data on global passenger demand in January 2025, with the following highlights:
Total demand, measured in passenger kilometres (RPK), increased 10.0% compared to January 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased 7.1% year-on-year. January load factor was 82.1% (+2.2 ppt compared to January 2024), an all-time high for January.
International demand increased 12.4% compared to January 2024. Capacity increased 8.7% year-on-year and load factor was 82.6% (+2.7 ppt compared to January 2024), an all-time high for January.
Domestic demand increased 6.1% compared to January 2024. Capacity increased 4.5% year-on-year. Load factor stood at 81.2% (+1.2 ppt compared to January 2024), an all-time high for January.
“We have seen a notable acceleration in demand in January, with particularly strong performance from airlines based in the Asia-Pacific region. The record load factors accompanying this strong demand are yet another reminder of the persistent supply chain challenges in the aerospace sector,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“The strong growth in demand is in line with the results of our latest passenger survey (November 2024), in which 94% of travellers indicated they planned to travel as much or more in the next 12 months than they did last year. Airlines are doing a good job of meeting rising demand amid fleet and infrastructure constraints, with satisfaction levels above 95% and almost 80% of travellers agreeing that air travel is good value for money. Choice is an important component of this satisfaction. Around 70% prefer to pay the lowest fare and customize the extra services they need. It is important for regulators to clearly understand that most travellers do not want to automatically pay for services they do not need,” said Walsh.
Regional breakdown: international passenger markets
In January 2025, compared to January 2024, all regions showed growth in international passenger markets, with demand in Asia-Pacific being particularly strong. All markets except Europe and North America showed a strong acceleration in January compared to December 2024. Load factors increased year-on-year in all markets except Latin America.
Asia-Pacific airlines reported a year-on-year increase in demand of 21.8%. Capacity increased by 16.5% year-on-year and load factor was 86.7% (+3.8 ppt compared to January 2024). Traffic from Northeast Asia was particularly strong.
European airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 8.6%. Capacity increased by 6.2% year-on-year and load factor was 79.2% (+1.8 ppt compared to January 2024).
Middle East airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 9.6%. Capacity increased by 4.4% year-on-year and load factor was 83.8% (+4.0 ppt compared to January 2024). Results in this region have been supported by a gradual return of traffic in Israel and a strong performance of Gulf airlines.
North American airlines reported a year-on-year increase in demand of 3.8%. Capacity increased by 0.6% year-on-year and load factor was 81.8% (+2.6 ppt compared to January 2024).
Latin American airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 12.9%. Capacity increased by 15.5% year-on-year. Load factor was 84.3% (-1.9 ppt compared to January 2024).
African airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 14.9%. Capacity increased by 11.2% year-on-year. Load factor increased to 75.9% (+2.4 percentage points compared to January 2024).
Domestic passenger markets
Domestic RPK increased 6.1% from a year earlier, reflecting particularly strong growth in India (despite engine issues for some airlines), Japan and China. China’s growth of 10.0% was driven by record numbers of trips for the Lunar New Year. Load factors continued to rise (+1.2 ppt) to reach an all-time high of 81.2% in January.
Source: IATA.