Global Passenger Demand Reached Record High In 2024: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that in 2024, global air travel demand hit an all-time high, even exceeding 2019 levels.

Record-Breaking Growth

According to IATA, passenger travel in 2024 increased by 10.4% compared to 2023 and was 3.8% higher than in 2019.

• Flight capacity (available seats) grew 8.7% year-over-year.
• The average seat occupancy reached 83.5%, setting a new record.
• International travel demand rose 13.6%, with capacity up by 12.8%.
• Domestic travel saw a 5.7% increase, while available seats expanded by 2.5%.

This surge in air travel highlights the industry’s strong recovery and growing passenger demand worldwide.

US continues to dominate domestic markets

The US domestic aviation market kept growing in 2024, holding a 14.4% share of total passenger traffic. Demand for flights increased by 3.7%, while available seats grew by 3.3%. Planes were fuller, with the average occupancy rising to 84.1%.

Meanwhile, Japan’s domestic market had the lowest occupancy among major markets, averaging 78%. Even though seat availability dropped slightly by 0.3%, demand for flights still grew by 3.2% in 2024.

China, the world’s second-largest domestic aviation market, saw a big jump in passenger demand, with a 12.3% increase in RPKs (Revenue Passenger Kilometres), even though airlines only added 3.1% more seats compared to last year. As a result, planes were 83.2% full on average, with load factors rising 6.8% past 80% compared to 2023.

On the international side, North America saw a 14.4% increase in air travel demand, with airlines expanding capacity by 14.3% year-over-year. However, the average load factor slightly dropped by 0.1% to 84.8%.

Travel Demand Will Keep Growing

Willie Walsh, the director general of IATA, shared that 2024 proved people love to travel, with both domestic and international flights reaching record numbers.

Airlines operated efficiently, filling 83.5% of available seats, the highest ever recorded. This was partly due to supply chain issues that slowed down capacity expansion.

Walsh highlighted that aviation growth benefits society and the economy by creating jobs, boosting trade, and encouraging exploration.

Looking ahead to 2025, travel demand will keep increasing, though at a steadier pace of 8%, which aligns with past trends. While flying offers freedom and opportunities, it also brings challenges that need attention.