IATA reports strong momentum in global air transport recovery

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed that global passenger demand continued to rise during the hemispheric spring, with an 8% increase in April 2025, and even stronger growth in the international segment: 10.8%, the strongest since last April.

In Latin America, international passenger demand grew 10.9% year-over-year in April, with an average occupancy rate of 82.3%, reflecting strong regional tourism growth.

In May 2025, global data showed total demand growth of 5%, while international demand increased by 6.7% compared to the same month last year. This demonstrates that, although the growth rate has moderated, the recovery continues and maintains its momentum.

Overview of Argentina within the regional framework:

In February 2025, inbound tourism fell by 25%, while the number of Argentines traveling abroad increased by 55%, resulting in a negative balance of 317,000 more outbound passengers than inbound.

In May, the increase in Argentines traveling abroad reached 45.8% year-over-year, while visits by foreigners to the country decreased by 14.2%, deepening the tourism deficit crisis.

In the first quarter of 2025, Argentines spent US$4.92 billion on travel abroad, compared to US$1.45 billion spent by visitors, generating a tourism deficit of nearly US$3.5 billion.

Key trends:

International demand is driving the regional passenger recovery, with growth of around 10% in April and May 2025.

Latin America remains a highly resilient tourism region, although certain markets, such as Argentina, face imbalances due to the strong expansion of outbound tourism and the decline in inbound tourism.

The combination of an appreciated peso exchange rate, easier purchasing of dollars, and attractive travel abroad are shifting tourist consumption toward border markets such as Chile and Brazil.

In summary:

Air tourism in Latin America is expected to recover strongly in 2025, supported by solid growth in international demand and high load factors. This trend reflects the regional appetite for travel, especially within the Latin American bloc. However, countries like Argentina show significant imbalances that are reshaping regional flows and posing local economic challenges.

Source: IATA.