Latin America advances in key consensus for the future of air transport
At the recent ICAO regional meeting, Latin American and Caribbean states reached strategic agreements to strengthen aviation connectivity, safety, and sustainability. These agreements come amid a context of strong traffic growth in the region, supported by record figures from IATA and ALTA
Aviation in Latin America is experiencing a period of expansion and consolidation. At a regional meeting organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the region's states reached a consensus on key priorities for air transport. The topics that dominated the agenda were infrastructure improvements, cooperation on operational safety, and the promotion of sustainability policies to meet growing demand.
The importance of these agreements lies in the current scenario. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Latin American airlines are leading global growth: in June 2025, they recorded a 7.9% year-over-year increase in passenger-kilometers transported, well above the global average of 2.6%. Although the load factor fell slightly to 82.9%, the region continues to show a remarkable capacity to attract travelers and sustain the recovery.
The data also confirm a sustained trend. In the first quarter of 2025, Latin American carriers reported a 6.3% increase in traffic, with 9.3% growth on international routes. Even in April, when the global industry grew 8% in terms of demand, Latin America once again surpassed the average with a 10.9% increase. These figures demonstrate that the regional market has not only recovered from the pandemic but has also established itself as a driver of the global recovery.
Adding to this is the vision of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), which highlights the progress made in sustainability. In just over a decade, the region's airlines have managed to reduce fuel consumption per 100 passenger-kilometers by 28%, thanks to the modernization of their fleets and the incorporation of more efficient technologies. These achievements place Latin America in a favorable position to meet international emissions reduction commitments, although pressure on governments and airports to keep up with this growth is increasing.
The ICAO meeting made clear that regional cooperation is essential. With demand growing at an accelerated pace, infrastructure, safety, and sustainability challenges can only be addressed through coordinated policies between states and airlines. Aviation in Latin America not only connects destinations but also drives competitiveness, tourism, and economic development. The consensus reached marks a decisive step toward ensuring that this growth translates into long-term benefits for the entire region.
Source: ICAO, IATA, ALTA