The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today reported a strong performance for global passenger markets in April 2025, driven by significant growth in international demand and record load factors, particularly for international travel.
Total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), increased by 8.0% year-on-year compared to April 2024. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), also rose by 6.5% year-on-year, contributing to a higher load factor of 83.6%, a 1.1 percentage point (ppt) improvement over the previous year.
International Demand Soars as Transatlantic Markets Bounce Back
International markets led the charge in April, with demand rising 10.8% compared to the same period last year. International capacity grew by 8.5%, and the overall load factor increased to 84.1%, a 1.7 ppt improvement, marking the highest load factor ever recorded for April.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, noted, “April was a positive month for air travel, with a particularly strong performance in international markets. The resurgence of the transatlantic market is especially encouraging, but we are also seeing signs of fragility in consumer and business confidence, particularly in the US domestic market and premium-class travel in North America.”
Domestic Market Mixed with Continued Growth in India and Brazil
Domestically, global demand rose 3.3% compared to April 2024, driven by a 3.1% increase in capacity. The overall domestic load factor reached 82.7%, a modest 0.1 ppt improvement. However, the US domestic market contracted by 0.5% for the third consecutive month, while India and Brazil saw impressive double-digit growth. India’s domestic market continues to expand rapidly, maintaining the highest passenger load factor among major domestic markets.
“In India, domestic air travel growth continues to be exceptional, with demand up over 10% year-on-year. India’s progress in expanding air connectivity has been phenomenal and is a key driver of this growth,” Walsh added. “This also serves as a reminder of how aviation connectivity spurs broader economic development and regional integration.”
Regional Breakdown: International Markets Show Strong Growth
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Asia-Pacific: Airlines in the region saw a 14.4% year-on-year increase in demand, with a load factor of 85.3%, up 1.3 ppt. Capacity increased by 12.7%.
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Europe: European carriers experienced a 9.4% rise in demand, with a load factor of 84.5%, an increase of 1.3 ppt. Capacity increased by 7.7%.
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Middle East: Airlines in the Middle East posted an 11.2% year-on-year increase in demand, with a load factor of 83.1%, up 3.4 ppt. Capacity increased by 6.6%.
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North America: North American carriers saw a more modest 5.4% demand increase, but with a significant 2.2 ppt increase in load factor to 83.4%. Capacity rose by 2.6%.
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Latin America: Latin American airlines reported a 13.9% increase in demand, with capacity rising by 14.6%. The load factor was 83.2%, slightly down by 0.6 ppt.
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Africa: African carriers saw a strong 13.6% rise in demand, with a 3.1 ppt improvement in load factor, reaching 76.3%. Capacity increased by 8.9%.
Looking Ahead: IATA Annual Meeting in New Delhi
As the aviation industry gathers in New Delhi for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, Walsh highlighted the transformative role aviation plays in economic growth. “The development of India’s air connectivity is a testament to how aviation drives growth, especially in emerging markets,” he said.
“India’s remarkable growth story in air travel is a powerful reminder of the importance of continued investment in aviation infrastructure, both for the benefit of travelers and broader economic development,” Walsh concluded.
